WITH six months to go until Scotland’s newest bridge, the Queensferry Crossing, is opened, campaigners are calling for the country’s next big infrastructure project to be one that makes a difference to people’s homes in every part of Scotland, whilst also helping to realise a more socially-just and low-carbon future. The Scottish Government will have almost £10 billion to spend on capital investment over the next three years. Members of the Existing Homes Alliance, whose members include WWF Scotland, Changeworks, and the National Insulation Association, are calling for the forthcoming Spending Review to include significant investment in a National Infrastructure Priority for energy efficiency, with an overall goal for all housing to be warm and healthy by 2025, helping all homes to reach the Energy Performance Certific ate (EPC) band C. Such a move would help the 35 per cent of households in Scotland currently in fuel poverty, save the NHS money and create new jobs. Unlike other infrastructure projects, these jobs would be spread around every part of Scotland, creating and sustaining many small and medium sized businesses.
The National 6th June 2016 read more »