Oral Answers to Questions

Euan Stainbank Excerpts

Tuesday 24th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Martin McCluskey]

I think the hon. Member should be careful not to sow fear about these issues among his constituents, which is precisely what his remarks do. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor provided £4.6 million to the Scottish Government, who have increased the fund to £10 million. It is absolutely imperative that the Scottish Government tell hon. Members and constituents how to access the funding. They are delivering that £10 million scheme, which they have told us will be available from 1 April, so it is up to them to set out how it will get to people.

[Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)]

About 30% of households in the Braes villages use alternative heating sources such as heating oil—that is far above the district, constituency or Scottish nationwide average. The Scottish Government’s decision to deliver the scheme nationally rather than locally is creating anxiety in those communities that they may be forgotten by Holyrood. What assurances have Ministers received from their Holyrood counterparts that Scottish heating oil support will be available and proportionate for communities such as the Braes villages?

[Martin McCluskey]

I welcome my hon. Friend’s advocacy for his constituents. It is essential that the Scottish Government scheme, which is running to support people with heating oil costs, finds its way to the people who need it. I am disappointed that the Scottish Government have chosen to centralise the funding rather than work alongside local government, but it is for them to set out how they will ensure that everyone is reached.