First Report - Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland
Select Committee
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 153
24 January 2024
Government response
Second Special Report - Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2023–24 · published 18 Apr 2024
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 14
Scotland's diverse rural communities require tailored cost-of-living interventions reflecting varied local experiences.
Conclusion
The term “rural communities” encompasses a broad gradation of populations across Scotland and this results in a varied experience for people living in rural areas. Successful cost of living interventions need to account for and be tailored towards that variable …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Scotland Office
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4
Conclusion
Accepted
Rural Scottish households face significant barriers accessing home energy efficiency schemes despite high need.
Conclusion
One way to help reduce energy costs in the long-term is to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The challenge of retrofitting and insulating homes, in terms of cost, time and practicality, are particularly acute for rural areas. Rural Scottish …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Scotland Office
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8
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 60
Food insecurity driven by insufficient income, exacerbated by global events and no agreed definition.
Conclusion
Although there is no agreed definition of food insecurity, it is clear that the difficulties people experience in providing sufficient food for their families are the result of a range of issues affecting household budgets—there is no lack of available …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Scotland Office
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