Scarf-up this week for warmer homes says Charity

Cold Homes Week starts today, and Age Scotland is calling on everyone who wants an end to the scandal of fuel poverty to join with its big push for warmer homes. 

From 3rd to 7th February 2014 members of the public are invited to take simple on-line actions including Monday morning's Big Tweet, sharing a ‘Selfie in a Scarf' and sending their MP a message.

More than half of single pensioners are fuel poor, and with energy bills soaring and energy efficiency schemes faltering, the Charity wants urgent action from the UK Government.  It is calling for the billions to be collected in Carbon Taxes on business over the next few years to be used to bring 9 out of 10 cold homes out of fuel poverty, by making them super-energy efficient and insulated.  Age Scotland is one of nearly 200 organisations across the UK backing the week, under the auspices of the Energy Bill Revolution coalition.

Age Scotland campaigner Doug Anthoney said: "Our homes leak three times as much heat on average as those in Sweden which, despite typically colder winters and more expensive energy, has an excess winter deaths rate 23 per cent lower than the UK's.  We need to get serious about winter-proofing our coldest homes, many of which are inhabited by vulnerable older people."

Mrs Smith from Inverness says: "As an older person, I don't fare well in the cold. A lot of older people I know are terrified of not being able to pay their bills, so they keep the heating low, put on a blanket, a cardigan or a shawl.  In this day and age it's a disgrace."

Take action this week
Join the 'Selfie in a Scarf' action
Join the Big Tweet by sending one tweet on the morning of Monday 3rd February using #ColdHomesWeek.  See our suggestions here.
Send a message to your MP