Consumer Scotland has responded to the publication by the Scottish Government of its Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040.
The draft plan sets out the policies and proposals the Scottish Government will take forward to enable carbon reduction targets to be met.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan highlighted the importance of engaging and supporting consumers to enable them to play their part in meeting carbon reduction targets.
“The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of modern times and enabling consumers to make low carbon choices, including how we heat our homes and how we travel, will play a significant part in responding to the climate emergency.
“Despite the contribution consumers could make to combating climate change, too often it is overly complex, costly or confusing for them to do so. To unlock these potential benefits and enable participation, consumers need to have access to the right products and services as well as incentives.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s focus in the draft plan on supporting consumers in moving to cleaner home heating systems and the emphasis on government leadership to make this happen.
“We also welcome the focus on investing in public charging networks for electric vehicles and incentives for consumers to choose electric vehicles.
“We further note the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with Consumer Scotland to ensure consumer fairness and equity is central in future energy market reforms.
“Consumer Scotland will be responding to the consultation to ensure consumer interests continue to be central to all decision-making in the ongoing drive to meet carbon reduction targets.”
Background
In May Consumer Scotland published a framework for addressing climate change which identifies cost, convenience, clarity and confidence as the four key issues which will affect consumers in moving to a more sustainable future.
Consumer Scotland is working with a range of bodies - including the parliaments, governments, local government, regulators and businesses - to embed the framework in future decision-making.