Chamber
Plenary, 14 Dec 2006
14 Dec 2006 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Central Heating Programme
General Questions
Almost by definition, all people in the queue are vulnerable to a greater or lesser degree, and this is not just a medical issue. However, let me assure Margaret Jamieson that officials are currently in discussion with Scottish Gas representatives to look at how the existing arrangements for dealing with the most urgent cases can be improved.
In the same item of business
3. Margaret Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing a priority medical list for the central heating programme. (S2O-11471)
The Deputy Minister for Communities (Des McNulty):
Lab
The central heating programme currently gives priority to applicants who are over 75, disabled or living alone. Given that the majority of those people are l...
Margaret Jamieson:
Lab
I am somewhat disappointed by the minister's response. Like many members, I have a constituent who, from 5 October, required a new central heating system. I ...
Des McNulty:
Lab
Almost by definition, all people in the queue are vulnerable to a greater or lesser degree, and this is not just a medical issue. However, let me assure Marg...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP):
SNP
The minister might be aware that there is some concern about how the transition from the Eaga Partnership to Scottish Gas is taking place. Some of the servic...
Des McNulty:
Lab
The intention is certainly to ensure that all parts of Scotland have access to the service. Scottish Gas has been signing up installers at a steady rate, and...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
Like Margaret Jamieson, I was slightly disappointed by the minister's opening response. May I point him to the fact that individuals who are under 75 but who...
Des McNulty:
Lab
As I said to Margaret Jamieson, we are looking at how we can establish a mechanism for dealing with the most urgent cases. I was simply making the point that...
Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
I again put on record my constituents' appreciation of the central heating programme, a scheme that has transformed the lives and living conditions of senior...
Des McNulty:
Lab
We have made some significant progress. The initial waiting list of some 10,000 has been whittled down to about 4,500 people who are eligible. Scottish Gas i...
Euan Robson (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (LD):
LD
Will the minister consider extending eligibility to households with voluntary carers in which those who are cared for are not currently covered by the criteria?
Des McNulty:
Lab
There are proposals in hand to extend eligibility to people who receive pension credit. If Mr Robson writes to me with details of his particular concern, I w...