To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £55.8 million Energy Assistance Package funding will be provided to the Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre network to ensure that it can manage the expected increase in contacts following the introduction of the package.

This is in the process of being finalised. We are currently discussing with the various partners who will help us deliver the Energy Assistance Package the details of implementation and the most appropriate allocation of resources to achieve this.

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the subsidy that will be provided to those who do not qualify for free standard insulation measures under stage 3 of the Energy Assistance Package.

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are specific criteria for the provision of a subsidy to those who do not qualify for free standard insulation measures under stage 3 of the Energy Assistance Package.

The level of subsidy for those who do not qualify for the free measures under the Energy Assistance Package will be a matter for the individual energy companies as part of their programmes to meet the carbon emissions reduction target. As now, the Energy Savings Scotland Advice Centre network will be able to provide advice on the offers available.

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is exploring equity release schemes or development of the Scheme of Assistance process for those who are not entitled to assistance under stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package.

The Fuel Poverty Forum recommended that funding for the Energy Assistance Package could be further augmented through top-up funding or low-interest loans, or equity release. The Scottish Government is intending to consult on a number of issues related to the energy efficiency of housing in the next few months, and we are considering whether this issue should be included as part of that consultation.

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive in relation to the Energy Assistance Package, whether it intends to set regional budgets or a target for the number of houses in each region assisted under the package.

In its report, the Fuel Poverty Forum proposed that regional budgets or regional targets should be set for Stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package based on the proportion of Scotland’s fuel poor in each region according to the latest Scottish House Condition Survey. We are currently discussing with the various partners who will help us deliver the Energy Assistance Package the details of implementation and the most appropriate allocation of resources to achieve this, including this issue.

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as a result of the transition to the new Energy Assistance Package, there will be an impact on people who have registered for the existing central heating and warm deal programmes.

No. Those who apply under the existing programmes up to 31 March 2009 will continue to have their applications progressed as now.