First Report - Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland

The government notes the conclusion, recognising the varied experiences of rural communities and the importance of tailored interventions. It highlights its existing engagement with rural groups and cites the £2 bus fare policy as an example of a successful intervention that benefits rural areas.

The government details the substantial cost-of-living support package provided and its delivery, including specific scheme data and the overall block grant to Scotland. However, it does not commit to carrying out a formal review to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the support, particularly for Scottish rural households, as recommended.

The government acknowledges the Committee's observations regarding the previous winter's energy support not being sufficiently 'rural-proofed'. It explains that schemes prioritised speed over tailoring and highlights existing support for off-grid households through the Alternative Fuel Payment, alongside other cost-of-living measures.

The government acknowledges the challenges of improving energy efficiency in rural Scottish homes, noting that housing policy is devolved to the Scottish Government. However, it highlights that its UK-wide Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme already includes specific uplifts and provisions for rural, low-income, off-gas grid homes in Scotland.

The response focuses on recommendations relating to the UK Government and does not address recommendations 5 and 6, which remain a matter for the Scottish Government.

The UK Government notes the recommendation and recognises the importance of rural communities, but does not commit to any specific actions or provide a timeline for addressing food insecurity and food poverty concerns itself.

The government notes the committee's concern and recognises the importance of rural communities, but provides no specific actions to address the hardship or increased demand for food banks.

The government acknowledges the conclusion by describing its existing and upcoming welfare spending increases, tax cuts, and cost-of-living payments designed to support household incomes. It also outlines its internationally recognised definition of food security.

The government details its existing welfare support and its current internationally recognised definition of food security. However, it does not commit to agreeing a consistent definition with the Scottish Government or setting out specific actions for high food prices in remote rural communities.

The government outlines its existing welfare support and its definition of food security, but it does not commit to working jointly with the Scottish Government and local authorities to investigate the impact of high food prices and food insecurity specifically in remote rural Scotland, or to collate data as recommended.

The government notes the conclusion, stating that managing and funding transport, including ferries and bus services, are devolved matters for the Scottish Government. It highlights the block grant funding provided to Scotland and mentions existing UK-wide initiatives like the Islands Forum and specific funding for ferry projects (ZEVI, LUF).

The government notes the recommendation but states that transport policy is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government, which receives record funding through the block grant. It will continue to monitor the issue through the Islands Forum and encourage the Scottish Government.