The Scottish House Condition Survey reveals a shocking increase in fuel poverty, with over 861,000 households impacted. Labour and charity groups call for urgent action from the Scottish Government to address the crisis and support vulnerable households.
The number of Scots experiencing fuel poverty is on the rise, with over a third of households struggling to cover their heating costs. The Scottish House Condition Survey revealed that 861,000 households, or 34 percent, faced fuel poverty in 2023, a 31 percent increase from the previous year. This alarming trend emerged before the UK Government's announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment for older individuals would become means-tested.
Fuel poverty is defined as spending more than 10 percent of one's income on energy. A staggering 491,000 households, representing 19.4 percent of the total, were estimated to be in extreme fuel poverty in 2023, a category defined as spending over 20 percent of income on energy. The survey also highlights a positive development: 61 percent of dwellings in Scotland are now rated as EPC band C or higher, a significant increase of 37 percentage points since 2010. Mark Griffin, Scottish Labour's housing spokesperson, expressed his concern, stating, 'This is the shameful legacy of the last Tory government and the current SNP government. The Tories caused economic carnage, and the SNP has failed to upgrade Scottish homes with the speed needed, leaving thousands of Scots trapped in fuel poverty. Labour is working to rectify the Tories' mess, and GB Energy will help reduce bills by providing cheaper, cleaner energy. However, the SNP cannot evade its responsibilities.'Griffin further criticized the SNP government, saying, 'Scotland's housing emergency means that far too many Scots are living in homes that are inadequate. Year after year, the SNP has siphoned funds from energy efficiency programs. We urgently need a comprehensive plan to address this crisis and upgrade Scottish homes – resulting in lower bills, less fuel poverty, and reduced emissions.' Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age, echoed these concerns, stating, 'This is deeply troubling and indicates that a substantial shift is required to achieve Scotland's fuel poverty targets. Cold homes pose a risk to health, especially for older individuals. Our helpline receives daily calls from elderly people who resort to wearing coats indoors, bathing less frequently, and skipping meals. In a fair and prosperous nation, no older person should endure fuel poverty.' Horne welcomed the Scottish Government's call for a social tariff but emphasized that 'more can be done.' She urged the Scottish Government to 'urgently develop a strategy to combat pensioner poverty.' Horne pointed out that with 317,000 older households in fuel poverty, 'this cannot be delayed.' She stressed, 'Today's figures underscore the need for strategic action to lower bills by enhancing energy efficiency assistance and ensuring that the energy social security accessible to older people is adequate.' Housing minister Paul McLennan acknowledged the government's efforts within its limited devolved powers, stating, 'We continue to support vulnerable households through our energy efficiency programs – Warmer Homes Scotland and area-based schemes. We recently announced additional funding of £41 million to address fuel poverty, including £20 million through the Scottish Welfare Fund and a £20 million increase to the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.' He concluded that this funding would 'help around 1,500 additional households save an average of £400 per year each on their heating bills.'
FUEL POVERTY SCOTLAND HOUSING CRISIS ENERGY COSTS SOCIAL WELFARE SNP GOVERNMENT
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