A PANDEMIC-LEVEL response is needed to address the energy bills crisis and avoid a “catastrophic loss to life,” according to a Holyrood committee report published today.

The Scottish and Westminster governments have been urged to provide immediate emergency support to help those struggling with rising fuel costs, the net zero, energy and transport committee report says.

While efforts to help with the cost-of-living crisis have been recognised by the committee, additional financial help for households, better energy education and acceleration of programmes to retrofit and insulate homes will help vulnerable people through the crisis, the report adds.