SCOTTISH Labour accused Scotland’s government of “hypocrisy” today for cutting almost £133 million from energy efficiency schemes days before Cop27 opened in Egypt.

The party criticised the SNP-Green coalition for making the cuts amid a cost-of-living crisis and in the run-up to the major climate conference.

Scottish Labour branded the decision “shameful” as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon heads to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh for the global gathering.

The schemes are designed to increase the energy efficiency of public buildings and help citizens insulate their homes. 

Scottish Labour is demanding that the Scottish government “open up these schemes to boost take-up, instead of clawing the money back.”

Net zero, energy and transport spokesman Colin Smyth said: “The cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency are two of the urgent challenges our country faces, but the SNP-Green government has decided to raid the funds that can help us tackle both.
 
“Energy bills are soaring and people are choosing between heating and eating, but instead of helping more people insulate their homes, the SNP-Green government are gutting support schemes.”

The Scottish government said that “revisions” had been made to the budget for some schemes in the energy portfolio because of “lower than forecasted uptake.”
 
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling fuel poverty.

“The spending review earlier this year confirmed our commitment to allocate at least £1.8 billion over the course of this parliament to insulate and to install modern climate-friendly heating in homes and other buildings.
 
“We remain committed to our current plans, which show a 27 per cent increase across energy programmes next year.”