Cathie Craigie MSP said:

"Under the SNP waiting times have more than doubled meaning that more pensioners are living in cold houses for longer. Many pensioners are disabled and no heating usually means no access to hot water either, leading to increased problems for the elderly."

"I was recently contacted by a disabled pensioner who has had to use electric fires to try to heat his home and he has now received an expensive electricity bill to pay for his meagre heating. Like many pensioners he has always ensured his bills are up to date and has paid the same amount summer and winter to ensure that he had sufficient credit to cover the extra power he uses in the winter. He has gone from being in credit with the power company to being in debt. This is not good enough."

"The Scottish Government should take action now to ensure a reduction in the waiting lists."