Reacting to the latest Scottish Housing Conditions Survey results for 2024 Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said:
“These statistics show that 280,000 (30%) of older households were living in fuel poverty in Scotland in 2024, with a shocking 152,000 (16%) in extreme fuel poverty.
“On top of this, half (50%) of older households live in a home which has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or below, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and are more expensive to heat. Cold homes are bad for both mental and physical health, and in older age can exacerbate long term health conditions or lead to an increased risk of falls.
“While there has been a welcome reduction in the number in fuel poverty, the overall picture remains concerning and means urgent action is required in the next Scottish Parliament to avoid missing Scotland’s 2030 legally binding fuel poverty targets.
“Political parties in Scotland should introduce and implement a large-scale Warm Homes Programme for older people. To reduce energy costs, this should provide targeted advice and financial support to improve energy efficiency in homes for all pensioners at risk of fuel poverty. The UK Government must also act. Fuel poverty in older households is an issue across the UK and the UK Government should increase the value of the Warm Home Discount and introduce a comprehensive energy social tariff to reduce costs.
“We should all have the right to a warm and safe home as we age. Without action, too many older people in Scotland will be left in the cold.”