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Chamber and committees

Question reference: S6W-25013

  • Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Date lodged: 31 January 2024
  • Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 19 February 2024

Question

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Used Electric Vehicle Loan scheme was closed, and whether it is considering reopening this, or opening a similar scheme, in the future.


Answer

The Used Electric Vehicle Loan Scheme (‘The Low Carbon Transport Loan’) is administered on behalf of Scottish Ministers by Energy Saving Trust, who are an independent organisation working to address the climate emergency. Funding has been provided to EST to administer this service on an annual basis and since the scheme launched over a decade ago it has successfully supported over 7,400 individuals and businesses across Scotland make the transition to EVs and ultra-low emission vehicles by providing interest free loans worth over £207M.

Due to high demand, the LCTL has closed for 2023-2024 as the full budget has been allocated. Currently this scheme is being evaluated and reviewed by Transport Scotland to ensure the scheme continues to meet its intended objectives. The Scottish Budget is set on an annual basis and is impacted by the UK Budget setting process and funding consequentials received from the UK Government. These are unprecedented times with significant pressures on financial resources and difficult decisions had to be taken when setting the 2024-25 Scottish Budget. Currently no budget has been confirmed to continue this scheme in 2024-25 and officials are currently working on forward business plans for review by senior management within Transport Scotland. Individuals and businesses can register their interest on the EST website for further information on the loan - Used Electric Vehicle Loan - Energy Saving Trust .