JAMIESON BACKS CLIMATE CHANGE TAX REBATE  PLAN

Local MSP Cathy Jamieson has given her backing to new proposals designed to bring in Council Tax rebates for householders in Scotland who take steps to make their homes more energy efficient.

Labour’s environment spokesperson Sarah Boyack has this week secured support from a Holyrood committee to bring in Council Tax rebates for householders making their homes more energy efficient, and Ms Jamieson has vowed to back the proposed tax cut when the matter is debated by the full Scottish Parliament.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Ms Jamieson said:

"I am delighted that this move has been backed by the Committee, and I will certainly be supporting it when it is debated by the full Scottish Parliament.

"It's clear that a Council Tax rebate will help motivate people to install energy efficiency measures and change the way they power their homes. That's good news for local householders, who can save money on their utility and Council Tax bills, but it's also good news for the environment.

Cathy is also backing plans to cut red tape on the installation of technology such as heat pumps and micro wind turbines. She added:

"I know from talking to local residents that there is a real desire to look at other ways in which we can help the environment, like micro-renewables. That's why we also need to look at cutting planning red tape and make it easier to install these technologies in homes.  I hope that the Scottish Government will look at this issue seriously and I'll certainly be pushing them in this regard."

14/06/2009