Also crucial to remember that this investment in Scotland's homes delivers warmer, healthier homes with better air quality, lower bills and energy security plus economic growth. It's an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of households 2/2

The shift to low-carbon heating – such as heat pumps and heat networks – can deliver wider benefits, including reduced air pollution and more stable, affordable energy bills, but the time for decisive action is now. 6/6

With leadership and the right framework of regulation and support, Scotland can lead the way in helping households and businesses switch to clean, heating and energy efficient homes. 5/6

It must also include clear minimum energy efficiency standards, a trajectory for ending the use of fossil fuel heating, and strong support for households – particularly those on low incomes – to overcome barriers like upfront costs. 4/6

This plan must set out how Scotland will reach the targets outlined in the CCC’s pathway, including the goal for 40% of existing homes to be heated by low-carbon electric systems, such as heat pumps, by 2035. 3/6

As well as bringing forward the Heat in Buildings Bill, which the Committee has highlighted as one of the most positive aspects of Scotland’s climate strategy, we need a robust delivery plan. 2/6

It’s time for the Scottish Government to set out a clear direction of travel towards zero emissions heating by 2045. Homeowners and landlords need clarity to enable those who want to embrace the future now, to do so with confidence. 7/7

It’s disappointing that a year on from the consultation closing and we don’t appear to be any further forward on this. The longer we are left without a Bill, the more growth and job opportunities pass us by. Industry needs certainty so it can invest in the jobs needed to meet growing demand. 6/7

We also need a support framework that ensures that everyone can access the help they need to comply, and that the costs of meeting the new standard are fully met for households in fuel poverty. 5/7

We need a Heat in Bldgs Bill introduced this session and drafted in a way that protects the most vulnerable – that includes a firm commitment that the Bill contributes to tackling fuel poverty and a role for Scotland’s Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel in overseeing implementation of the regulations. 4/7

The Climate Change Committee recently highlighted that failure by politicians to simulate investment through legislation that enables us to reach net zero and reduce the price of electricity by opening opportunities in private markets will see constituents worse off. 3/7

Further delay is not the answer. This move will only extend households’ exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. 2/7