Question reference: S6W-08228
- Date lodged: 26 April 2022
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 4 May 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to increase awareness of the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, in light of the cost of living crisis.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the acute pressure that is felt by people due to the cost of living crisis and will be pulling forward planned marketing activity to promote the advice and support that is in place for them.
The Scottish Government directs people towards its fuel poverty and home energy schemes, including Warmer Homes Scotland, via the Home Energy Scotland Advice Service. This makes it easier for people in Scotland to access all the support they are eligible for in one place and acts as the referral mechanism for the schemes.
In addition to the forthcoming activity, the Home Energy Scotland marketing campaign for winter 2021-22 concluded on 6 March 2022. The campaign ran over TV, digital and press advertising in two bursts of activity from 1 November 2021 to 12 December 2021 and from 5 January 2022 to 6 March 2022. An evaluation is currently being compiled which will inform future activity.
As committed to in the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy, we are now also developing a Public Engagement Strategy and early engagement activities to raise the profile of the heat decarbonisation agenda, including the changes that people will need to make and the co-benefits that can be delivered. Through this work we will also promote increased awareness of existing and future support as part of ensuring a fair and just transition, reflecting and building on the principles set out in our broader Climate Change Public Engagement Strategy.
Further details will be made available in due course.