Age Scotland calls for investment to end fuel poverty
The latest edition of the Scottish Government's Scottish Household Survey has revealed that two-thirds of pensioner couple households now live in fuel poverty.
The new figures show that in 2013, there were over a quarter of a million pensioner couple households (258,000) living in fuel poverty. Figures previously available from 2012 suggested this figure was nearly half the current level.
Having changed the methodology used, the Scottish Government's figures show that levels of fuel poverty amongst Scotland's older population have been seriously underestimated.
Greg McCracken, Age Scotland Policy Officer, said "These figures are shocking and wholly unacceptable in nation as economically and energy rich as Scotland. Clearly, Governments in both Edinburgh and London need to invest far more to improve the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock. It is difficult to imagine how the Scottish Government's target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016 might be achieved."
Using the new formula, older smaller households in fuel poverty saw an increase of 8 per cent (36,000 households) from 2012 - double the rate for the wider population. This evidences a greater vulnerability to factors leading to fuel poverty, principally regarding rising fuel prices and typically fixed incomes.
While a concurrent rise in levels of fuel poverty amongst single pensioner households was not seen, figures for this demographic remained unacceptably high at nearly half of all households (46 per cent) and no evidence of demonstrable improvement over several years.
Age Scotland is a member of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, the independent body responsible for advising the Government on recommendations aimed at tackling fuel poverty. While it has previously been suggested that spending of £200 million would be required annually to eradicate fuel poverty, reductions in the scope and scale of the Westminster Government's Energy Company Obligation will put added pressure on already insufficient budgets.
Greg McCracken added "Given these figures only go up to 2013 and with energy costs having increased over the intervening period, it is highly likely today's levels of fuel poverty will be even worse than those presented in this report".
Notes:
Reference for statistics & information
66 per cent of single pensioner households in Scotland, and around half of pensioner couples, are fuel poor.
Older people who need advice on staying warm and well this winter can call Silver Line Scotland on 0845 125 9732 or contact their local council to see what help is being provided.
Age Scotland media service
Age Scotland is keen to work in partnership with the Scottish media in order to continually raise awareness of issues which concern older people, their families and those who care for them. The Charity provides a seven day a week response to media enquiries through two dedicated press telephone lines:
07801 500 663; 07730 911 565.
This service is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. You can also contact our switchboard on 0845 833 0200 and speak to a press officer.
Age Scotland
Age Scotland, part of the Age UK family, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Scotland. Website: www.agescotland.org.uk ; Switchboard: 0845 833 0200; Email: info@agescotland.org.uk
Age Scotland is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Reg No: 153343 Charity No: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR
The latest edition of the Scottish Government's Scottish House Condition Survey has revealed that two-thirds of pensioner couple households now live in fuel poverty.
The new figures show that in 2013, there were over a quarter of a million pensioner couple households (258,000) living in fuel poverty. Figures previously available from 2012 suggested this figure was nearly half the current level.
Having changed the methodology used, the Scottish Government's figures show that levels of fuel poverty amongst Scotland's older population have been seriously underestimated.
Greg McCracken, Age Scotland Policy Officer, said "These figures are shocking and wholly unacceptable in nation as economically and energy rich as Scotland. Clearly, Governments in both Edinburgh and London need to invest far more to improve the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock. It is difficult to imagine how the Scottish Government's target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016 might be achieved."
Using the new formula, older smaller households in fuel poverty saw an increase of 8 per cent (36,000 households) from 2012 - double the rate for the wider population. This evidences a greater vulnerability to factors leading to fuel poverty, principally regarding rising fuel prices and typically fixed incomes.
While a concurrent rise in levels of fuel poverty amongst single pensioner households was not seen, figures for this demographic remained unacceptably high at nearly half of all households (46 per cent) and no evidence of demonstrable improvement over several years.
Age Scotland is a member of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, the independent body responsible for advising the Government on recommendations aimed at tackling fuel poverty. While it has previously been suggested that spending of £200 million would be required annually to eradicate fuel poverty, reductions in the scope and scale of the Westminster Government's Energy Company Obligation will put added pressure on already insufficient budgets.
Greg McCracken added "Given these figures only go up to 2013 and with energy costs having increased over the intervening period, it is highly likely today's levels of fuel poverty will be even worse than those presented in this report".
Notes:
Reference for statistics & information: 66 per cent of single pensioner households in Scotland, and around half of pensioner couples, are fuel poor.
Older people who need advice on staying warm and well this winter can call Silver Line Scotland on 0845 125 9732 or contact their local council to see what help is being provided.
Age Scotland media service: Age Scotland is keen to work in partnership with the Scottish media in order to continually raise awareness of issues which concern older people, their families and those who care for them.
The Charity provides a seven day a week response to media enquiries through two dedicated press telephone lines: 07801 500 663; 07730 911 565. This service is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. You can also contact our switchboard on 0845 833 0200 and speak to a press officer.
Age Scotland, part of the Age UK family, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Scotland. Switchboard: 0845 833 0200; Email: info@agescotland.org.uk
Age Scotland is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Reg No: 153343 Charity No: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR
