Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 11 December 2025
11 Dec 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Net Zero Policies (Cost)
Climate Action and Energy, and Transport
The draft climate change plan, which was published on 6 November, is the first climate change plan in the United Kingdom to set out an assessment of the costs and benefits of the policies within it. Most of those financial benefits are expected to accrue to households and businesses. The draft plan includes the net cost, which is financial costs minus financial benefits, of delivering its policies. That is in line with the approach that is used by the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Climate Change Committee. That cost to the Scottish economy from 2026 to 2040 is estimated at £4.8 billion.
We are seeking views on the presentation of costs and benefits during the plan’s consultation period and will consider those for the final publication.
In the same item of business
3. Roz McCall (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish further details of the estimated true cost of its net zero policies for households in Scotland. (S6O-05285)
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy (Gillian Martin)
SNP
The draft climate change plan, which was published on 6 November, is the first climate change plan in the United Kingdom to set out an assessment of the cost...
Roz McCall
Con
The much-delayed climate change plan that the cabinet secretary mentions revealed that the Scottish National Party’s net zero plan will cost the Scottish eco...
Gillian Martin
SNP
It is a 15-year plan. Uncertainty around United Kingdom Government action, technological advancements and market decisions make the distribution of costs ext...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
We have a number of supplementaries, which I hope will be brief.
Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)
SNP
It is vital that we ensure that Scotland’s buildings become warmer, greener and cheaper. However, the high cost of energy continues to be prohibitive to many...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Members should speak through the chair.
Gillian Martin
SNP
Bill Kidd is absolutely right that, in an energy-rich nation such as Scotland, no household should be struggling to heat their home. Measures that were annou...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
We will need brevity in both questions and responses.
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I very much agree that the lack of action there has a cost. It is really important to look at it at a local level. Will the cabinet secretary comment on why ...
Gillian Martin
SNP
If the member does not mind my saying so, that is a bit of a tangential question about flooding, although it is an important issue. Most of the flood protect...
Pam Duncan-Glancy (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. This week, I met local home owners and constituents in Glasgow who spoke passionately abou...
Gillian Martin
SNP
I am always keen to hear about action that is happening on the ground that can be replicated throughout the country. Certainly, I will take an interest in th...