Commentary on Sections The fuel poverty strategy Section 7
52.In accordance with section 7, the Scottish Ministers must, when preparing the fuel poverty strategy, consult such persons as they consider appropriate. This must include individuals who currently live, or have previously lived, in fuel poverty. It must also include local authorities and individuals drawn from the following categories: those with disabilities, those with long-term illness, older people, and those living in rural areas. The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel (established under section 14) must also be consulted. Subsection (3) ensures that any consultation which was carried out prior to the Act coming into force is not invalidated simply by reason of when it was carried out. This would include any consultation that occurred at the same time as the Bill was going through Parliament or shortly after the Bill was passed, but before it came into force.
53.Once the strategy has been prepared, it must be laid in draft before the Scottish Parliament. In the case of the first strategy, that must be done within one year of section 6 of the Act (preparation of the strategy) coming into force. There is then a standstill period of 40 days during which the Parliament can consider the draft strategy, before Ministers are allowed to finalise it. Where the Parliament is dissolved or in recess for a prolonged period (that is to say, for more than 4 days), that is taken into account and the standstill period is extended accordingly.