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This is one of the most significant debates that this Parliament has had. It marks the beginning of a new era and a new agenda for social equality and justice in Scotland.
The minister will be aware that, since the latest figures on households in fuel poverty were published in 2002, fuel prices have risen sharply by between 30 and 40 per cent.
Before I open the meeting to questions, I wish to ask a quick question on promoting choice. The bill includes provisions for a number of schemes to promote and, if possible, extend choice for clients in the provision of care.
We are already making massive progress on promoting renewable energy, on resource management—through tackling our waste mountains—and on sustained investment in our new transport choices.
I am delighted that Lewis Shand Smith is with me today, as he takes the lead responsibility in the local government field. He visited all 32 local authorities—I visited almost all of them.
If we made that announcement now, we could probably secure all those contributions by the end of July at the latest. We could probably do that by the end of the week, knowing some of those organisations.We have gone as far as we can with discussion of the committee's specific remit.