Now to focus energy on fuel crisis at hand
Dear Editor,
The elections are over, politicians elected, now they have to get down to work.
One of the most urgent tasks the newly elected councillors face, and the vast majority of them had it in their election addresses, is addressing the increasing poverty that many people find themselves in. The increasing poverty, over the last few months, always stems from international affairs over which they have no control.
The unwarranted Russian attack on Ukraine has, among other things, sent fuel prices rocketing. This is resulting in increased fuel poverty for many people with low incomes and living in poorly insulated housing.
The short term answer is to increase benefits or provide other means of financial support to those on low incomes. This is more a central government area, Westminster along with Holyrood, Cardiff and Belfast, than local authority.
The medium to long term answer is to move away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy. This needs a massive injection of capital over the next few years. There are currently several hundred renewable energy schemes, in the
UK, which have received planning consent but looking for capital to build them.
Local authorities can play a major role in providing this necessary money. They have, in their pension funds, many millions of pounds invested in fossil fuel companies. If they were to divest from these companies and reinvest in renewable energy schemes our country’s dependence upon fossil fuels would decline. The cheaper and cleaner energy generated would mean lower energy prices and therefore lower bills for households and businesses.
It would be good to have some clear public declarations by councillors that are supportive of this call, to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in renewable energy, and are willing, over the next five years, to work towards this end. The cleaner and cheaper energy provided will enable many families to move towards ending their fuel poverty.
Stirling Council has made some huge efforts in the generation of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Ninety-five per cent of the houses with solar panels in Stirling are council owned. They have also worked with others to clad many poorly insulated homes, making them both warmer and cheaper to heat. These efforts are greatly appreciated and shows what can be achieved when bold decisions are taken.
Walter Attwood, Whins of Milton
‘Grandstanding‘ Dear Editor,
I was disappointed at the tone of Evelyn Tweed MSP report printed in the Stirling Observer of May 11.
I understand completely Ms Tweed’s joy at the successes of the SNP but the grandstanding was rather overpowering to say the least.
I expected some measure of report on current financial projects, such as the overdue/overspend on late ferries, or on the recent debate on NHS waiting list, some of which has the highest rates within the NHS Forth Valley.
Similarly, the amount going unreported from the Scottish Government leaves a lot to desired.
When are we going to hear from our elected representatives on the progress of Housing 2040, or of progress on alternative fuel investigations for homes as part of depletion of carbon footprint? Maybe even a word or two about homeless figures and whether the Scottish Government policy is working.
As I say by all means be happy about your election successes, but let’s have a wee bit more on the issues that are affecting all of our lives.