Figures from the Scottish House Condition Survey revealed last week that more than 70,000 households fell into fuel poverty between 2022 and 2023. Another 19,000 were pushed into extreme fuel poverty.

The same figures revealed that as of 2023, more than a million Scottish homes fell short of the recommended energy efficiency rating of EPC C.

Scottish Labour said that came at a time when the Scottish Government “repeatedly raided” funding for energy efficiency schemes.

The coming Scottish Budget will see further cuts to retrofitting with energy efficiency and decarbonisation cut by almost £18m in real terms, the party said.

Sarah Boyack MSP

Sarah Boyack, Labour’s net zero spokeswoman at Holyrood, urged the government to take action.

She said: “As fuel poverty in Scotland was soaring, the SNP was raiding funds from schemes that would have upgraded homes and cut bills.”

Ms Boyack added: “Across the UK, Labour is working to tackle fuel poverty by investing in cheaper, cleaner energy through its publicly-owned GB Energy company but we need action in Scotland too.

“The SNP must set out a real plan to upgrade Scottish homes and tackle the scandal of fuel poverty.”

Acting climate action minister Alasdair Allan said: “Despite a challenging budget we remain committed to making people’s homes warmer and helping households switch to clean heating.

“Our 2025/26 draft budget commits to invest more than £300m in heat and energy efficiency supporting over 20,000 households to save up to £500 on their energy bills a year and helping make their homes warmer and more comfortable.”