The ALLIANCE supports joint call for urgent action on energy crisis
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 1st April 2026
A coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland
The Health and Social Care Alliance has joined a coalition of national organisations in signing a joint letter coordinated by Energy Action Scotland, urging the Scottish Government to take immediate action in response to escalating energy costs.
The letter, sent to First Minister John Swinney, highlights the growing impact of global energy prices on households across Scotland. It warns that average energy bills could exceed £2,000 from July, with further increases expected into winter 2026/2027.
Signatories – including the ALLIANCE – raise serious concerns about the disproportionate impact on those already at risk, such as disabled people, individuals with long-term conditions , families with young children and those living in rural and island communities. The letter stresses that Scotland is already facing a situation where one in three people cannot afford essential heat and power.
The coalition calls for:
- Immediate preparation of a comprehensive Winter 2026/27 Plan, ensuring support reaches those most at risk, including disabled people, those with long-term conditions, and households outside traditional support routes.
- Full involvement of the voluntary and community sector
- Increased support to the wider advice and support sectors, which continue to shoulder the administrative and operational burden of national schemes without dedicated funding.
In response, Mairi McAllan – Cabinet Secretary for Housing – acknowledged the severity of the situation and confirmed that the Scottish Government shares these concerns. She outlines initial measures, including the launch of a new emergency support scheme for households reliant on heating oil and LPG.
The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme, delivered through Advice Direct Scotland, will provide eligible households with £3000 payments to help meet fuel costs. The scheme is due to open on 1 April and will run for up to six months.
While welcoming this immediate support, the response recognises that further action will be required. It also points to the need for UK-wide measures, including progress towards a targeted social tariff to better protect those most vulnerable to rising energy costs.
You can read the joint letter and Mairi McAllan’s response in the resources section below.
End of page.
You may also like:
This short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingShow Up is a multi-year campaign which will focus on the areas where change is most needed.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE Annual Conference which took place on 23 March 2026.
Continue readingOnline toolkit makes it easier for people to communicate with public services.
Continue readingTake part in a month of physical activity to support MISS's work.
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingTake part in Lead Scotland's research on cyber crime and online safety.
Continue readingLearn how creative methods can open conversations, reduce barriers and support meaningful participation
Continue readingThis report summarises the Integration in Action event in February 2026.
Continue readingThe latest development update brings new features to ALISS, including a 'free service' badge, ability to add a charity number, and map view.
Continue reading