A new definition of fuel poverty is needed to ensure help is targeted at those most in need, according to expert review groups.

It is one of 100 recommendations being considered by the Scottish government.

Image source, bbc

Ministers are also urged to use new devolved welfare powers and review whether the winter fuel payment is working.

Under the current definition, a third of households (845,000) live in fuel poverty, rising to 50% in rural areas.

The Scottish Fuel Poverty Strategic Working Group, external and Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force, external reports were published alongside a Scottish government research paper on the likelihood of being "fuel poor" in rural Scotland.

In June 2016 Scottish Ministers announced that they would not meet the statutory duty under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to end fuel poverty, as far as was practicable, by November 2016. 

However, two working groups were set up to advise on a new fuel poverty strategy and on rural fuel poverty issues specifically  

Di Alexander and David Sigsworth chaired two ministerial advisory groups respectively which were appointed last year by the Scottish government to look into aspects of fuel poverty in Scotland.

Image source, PA

On Monday 24 October the groups each published their final reports and recommendations. 

The links to their reports follow: The Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force report An Action Plan to Deliver Affordable Warmth in Rural Scotland, external. 

The Scottish Fuel Poverty Strategic Working Group report A Scotland without fuel poverty is a fairer Scotland: Four steps to achieving sustainable, affordable and attainable warmth and energy use for all, external

The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee will take evidence as part of its draft budget scrutiny.

MSPs will take evidence on the Scottish Government's Draft Budget 2017-18 from:

• Norman Kerr from Energy Action Scotland, external
• Di Alexander from the Scottish Rural Poverty Taskforce
• Elizabeth Leighton from Existing HomesAlliance Scotland, external
• Professor David Sigsworth, former Chair of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Strategic Working Group

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A new  member has been appointed to the Scottish Parliament, following the death of Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone last week.

Former Conservative list candidate Bill Bowman is now appointed as the new North East MSP.

Mr Johnstone had served at the Scottish Parliament since 1999.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh wishes to make the following announcement:

"Under Rule 1.5.4 of Standing Orders, I have determined that following the death of Alex Johnstone, the date of the subsequent vacancy is 7 December 2016. "As required by Article 86(1) of the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2010, I have sent a notice to the returning officer for the North East Scotland region informing her of the vacancy. The returning officer has, in accordance with Section 10 of the Scotland Act 1998, as modified by Article 87 of the above order, ascertained that the vacancy should be filled by Bill Bowman."

Mr Macintosh says he has now received details for the funeral of Alex Johnstone  to which the family have extended an open invitation.

He says: "The service will take place this Friday, 16 December at 12 noon at Glenbervie Parish Church, Aberdeenshire (AB39 3YG)."

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on 13 December 2016.

The Economy Committee will take evidence on the draft budget focusing on energy and heating.

Energy Action Scotland will be joined by the Scottish Rural Poverty Taskforce, Existing Homes Alliance Scotland and the Scottish Fuel Povery Strategic Working Group who will lay down their hopes and aspirations for Thursday afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images/bbc

In the afternoon, after topical questions, the government will make a ministerial statement on its Improvement Plan for Education, after disappointing Pisa figures were published last week. 

The government will then lead a debate welcoming international migrants in Scotland. SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor will then lead a debate entitled Walk This Way at Dunbeth Park.