Scottish Labour’s deputy leader will promise today that his party will take action against fuel poverty in the Highlands.
In a visit to Inverness, Alex Rowley will argue that families should not have to choose between heating and eating.
Figures suggest that the Highlands is the one of the worst regions in Scotland for households living in fuel poverty.
In the Highland Council area, latest figures show 50% of households are in fuel poverty.
Mr Rowley promised bold action from Scottish Labour on fuel poverty ahead of May’s election, committing to a Warm Homes Act.
He said: “No family in the Highlands should have to choose between heating and eating.
In 2001 the last Labour-led Scottish Government said set an ambitious target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.
“We know the SNP Government will miss that target, with the latest estimates show that half of all households in Highland council live in fuel poverty.
“Scottish Labour will take real action on fuel poverty. We will deliver ground-breaking legislation in the form of a Scottish Warm Homes Act.
“With new powers coming to Scotland we have the chance to really do things differently. After a decade in office and with a majority in Parliament there are no excuses for the SNP failing to deal with fuel poverty.”