24.9 percent of Scottish households are considered in fuel poverty which is around 616,000 homes across Scotland. Sadly, this is the case for many people across the UK living in cold conditions.

What is Fuel Poverty?

The term fuel poverty is used to describe when someone is unable to afford adequate heating for their home. The official definition of fuel poverty in Scotland is when if more of 10% of a household’s net income is required to heat their home or to pay other fuel costs leaving little money or a decent standard of living. if more than 20% is required this is then considered to be in extreme fuel poverty.

The Cause

Some of the causes of fuel poverty include:

• Cost of their fuel usage.

• Household income.

• How energy efficient their home is.

The Health Risks

Fuel Poverty can be a major contributor to some health implications. According to a number of studies over the years, ill-health due to persistently cold homes. Living in these conditions is a contributor to health issues such as heart disease, mental health problems, respiratory issues, and circulatory disease.

Fuel Poverty is responsible for around 3000 deaths a year in the UK from people being unable to adequately heat their homes.

What you can do

If you are struggling to pay for your fuel expenses, you may be able to take advantage of benefits, grants and help offered by the government to help you pay.

Cold Weather Payments- This is 1 off payments that help you pay for extra heating costs when it is very cold. Each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature you will receive a payment for a set period of time. This is only available if you already receive:

• Income Support

• Pension Credit

• Universal Credit

• Income-based jobseekers allowance

• income-related employment and support allowance.

Winter Fuel Payments- This is a one-off payment that can support you in paying for your heating during the summertime. You can qualify to receive this if you were born on or before 5th of April 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help pay for your heating bill, however, these prices can change each year as the pension age is increasing each year until it reaches 67 for men and women. The winter fuel payment is usually applied automatically for anyone who is eligible, if you do qualify and do not receive these payments then you can make a claim.

Warm Home Discount Scheme- You may be able to receive £140 off your electricity bill under the warm home discount scheme if you already receive the guarantee credit part of pension credit or on a low income.

Grants To Help Pay Off Energy Debts- If you are in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant from a charitable trust to help clear it. The Energy Savings Trust has information and offers to make improvements to energy efficiency and help you search for grants.

If you find yourself in this position it is vital to talk to your energy supplier and ask for help to work out a solution. For advice and information on making your home more energy efficient in Scotland Contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 where you can get advice on:

• Grants to help make your home more energy-efficient.

• Claiming benefits and how to lower your fuel bills

• Finding Contractors to carry out improvements.

• Saving energy in your home.

• Staying Warm