The letter references a recent report by Tighean Innse Gall, which classifies 60% of Outer Hebrides households as being in Fuel Poverty and 52% in extreme Fuel Poverty. This figure is the highest rate of fuel poverty in Scotland.

In the letter addressed to Ed Miliband MP and Gillian Martin MSP, Cllr McCormack and Cllr Steele have requested that both Governments direct available resources to addressing fuel poverty in the Outer Hebrides and called for a review of regional surcharges and price caps.

The letter supports the recommendation of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel that island and remote rural communities have a specific, more focused and co-ordinated approach for tackling fuel poverty with clear leadership and enhanced resources.

Writing on behalf of the OHCPP Anti-Poverty Group, Councillor Angus McCormack, said: “It seems to me that resources are available across both Governments to really attack the problem of Fuel Poverty, but the targeting of those resources leaves a lot to be desired.

“The fact that our levels of Fuel Poverty are unacceptable and growing suggests a failure in Government intervention. The Community Planning Partners across the Outer Hebrides stand ready to support both Governments in effective intervention to alleviate Fuel Poverty and would welcome an ongoing discussion as we seek to reach our mutual Fuel Poverty objectives.”