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Scottish ministers have expressed their concern over the recent price increases announced by Scottish power and its impact on fuel poverty. In meetings with Scottish Power up to £10 million has been secured for energy efficiency programmes in Scotland. This government’s fuel poverty programmes continue to deliver assistance to vulnerable households. The Energy Assistance Package has grant funded over 20,000 heating installations since April 2009 and improved the annual income of pensioners and families by over £4.2 million. The Home Insulation Scheme and universal Home Insulation Scheme have helped over 500,000 people since November 2009.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance has also issued a letter to Ofgem voicing concern over this alarming trend in utility pricing, especially the impact on vulnerable customers.

Applications under the Energy Assistance Package are normally prioritised by date order, with the exception of vulnerable groups or people who are terminally ill and in possession of a DS1500 certificate. Priority is given to applicants with a supporting letter from a medical consultant or a social worker. Where someone is terminally ill and holds a DS1500 certificate they are automatically fast tracked.

Ministers have expressed their concern over the recent price increases announced by Scottish Power and its impact on fuel poverty. Our estimate is that up to an additional 170,000 households could be placed into fuel poverty if the increase is replicated across all suppliers.

Scottish ministers have expressed their concern over recent price increases announced by Scottish Power, both to the Company itself and the regulator, Ofgem. We estimate that up to a further 170,000 households could be placed into fuel poverty if the increase was replicated across all suppliers. Scottish ministers remain committed to the 2016 target but it is extremely challenging in the light of recent energy price increases.

The Energy Assistance Package started in April 2009. The following table is provided by the Managing Agent (Scottish Gas). Figures for 2010-11 are not yet available.

The warm homes fund will deliver renewable energy and energy-efficient homes in those areas worse affected by fuel poverty. The operational details, including the criteria for consideration for funding, are being worked on and will be announced in due course.

As outlined in my statement to the Parliament on 29 June 2011, I will set out a wider package of reforms on post-16 education later in 2011. Any legislation on higher education would be brought forward next year as a result of this wider package of reform.

Scottish ministers are proud of the actions we have already taken to provide free school meals in Scotland, which last year extended eligibility to an additional 17,000 children and young people. In time we will look at ways of expanding current provision.

The Scottish Government has clearly stated its commitment to the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, which includes working towards two hours per week of physical education (PE) in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools for pupils in S1 to S4. Ministers will continue discussions with stakeholders on how we can ensure the delivery of those important commitments by 2014.

The national roll out of Life Begins at 40 commenced in February 2011. The service will cost approximately £285,000 in the 2011-12 financial year.