Meeting description: We discussed our asks for the upcoming Emergency Budget and agreed to share a briefing on these. The priorities discussed were: Priority 1 - Achieve energy security by driving forward investment in Scottish renewable energy projects. Increase the role of Scottish ports to support the low-carbon economy through a Net-Zero Ports and Infrastructure Programme; Achieve growth for small and medium low-carbon suppliers by introducing a supply chain SME support mechanism; and Ensure that the commitment in Programme for Government 2022/23 to agree a new deal between The Scottish Government and local government supports all Local Authorities to play their full role in tackling climate change. Priority 2 - Accelerate our transition to low-carbon heat to support households and businesses with the cost of living and avoid increasing costs. Deliver a Rural Clean Heat Fund to ignite a transformation of renewable heating solutions for Scotland's island and rural communities; Extend the 90% district heating business rates relief for networks powered by renewables sources until 2035; and Expand the size and scale of interest free loans programmes for heat pumps.
Topic label: Climate