McArthur calls for rethink on sudden closure of home renewables grant and loan scheme

5.24.47pm GMT Thu 25th Mar 2010

After receiving complaints from a number of constituents who have been left out of pocket by the sudden premature closure of the Scottish Government’s Home Renewables Grant and Home Loan schemes, Liberal Democrat Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, has raised the issue with the Energy Minister, Jim Mather, and with the Energy Savings Trust (EST) which ran the scheme for the Government.

Commenting he said:

“The Government brought forward the closure of the scheme to save money, leaving high and dry many people with plans for microrenewable projects. To do this without consultation or warning is unfairly penalising them.

“The Government’s action is not only wrong because of its effect on the individuals left out of pocket; it is wrong because it will undermine public confidence in schemes of this type in the future. If you say that a scheme closes on a given date, and encourage people to apply, you cannot simply pull the plug without warning.

“I have tabled a parliamentary motion expressing my concerns and I call on the Scottish Government to reconsider how applicants and prospective applicants, affected by the premature closure of the scheme, can be helped.

“I believe that many MSPs will be receiving representations from constituents left out of pocket by this premature closure. I hope that they will support my motion and so put added pressure on the Government to honour their commitments.”