Reacting to today’s 2022 Scottish House Conditions Survey, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The latest statistics released today show that over a third of older households (36%) were in fuel poverty, with 24% facing extreme fuel poverty. 55% of those in later life live in homes with an EPC rating of band D or below. This is unacceptable.
“Despite the recent Ofgem price cap announcement, energy prices are around 60% higher than in 2021. Our helpline continues to hear from older people who are forced to cut back on food, wash less and sit in cold, damp homes. It’s clear we need a step change in support.
“The UK Government must introduce a single social energy tariff to reduce the bills of people on a low income, including those in later life. It’s also vital that the Scottish Government improves the energy efficiency of the homes older people live in, including by increasing access to the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme - which provides support for energy efficiency measures worth around £10,000 - to cut the cost of keeping warm.
“The importance of a safe, warm and secure home cannot be underestimated. It is our human right. Yet today’s survey results are a stark reminder that this is not the reality for an increasing number of those in later life across the nation. This needs to change, and that will only happen with action from Westminster and Holyrood.”