Energy Action Scotland has spoken out ahead of December’s Scottish budget
Fuel poverty campaigners Energy Action Scotland are calling on the government to reinstate the Fuel Insecurity Fund.
The fund, which was worth £30 million last year, provided advice and grant funding for fuel poor households.
The charity’s chief executive, Frazer Scott, has written to First Minister John Swinney, asking him to reconsider their decision and to reinstate the fund in December’s budget.
The letter was also signed by more than a dozen charities and campaigners working to end fuel poverty.
These include representatives from Govan Law Centre, Marie Curie, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, West of Scotland Regional Equality Council, Citizens Advice Scotland.
Figures from Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Caithness Voluntary Group, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), Lochaber Housing Association, Wick Community Hub SCIO, Willowcare Trust, Point & Sandwick Trust, Money Matters Money Advice Centre, Scarf, and Carers Scotland.
“Household energy debt is spiralling, winter is now upon us, one in three households still can't afford their energy bills. Financial support from Governments has largely dried up, leaving people in cold, damp homes. It isn't right and it isn't fair,” said Frazer.
“Charities across Scotland tell us that crisis funding and intensive support is vital to mitigate the worst, to save lives and help families. That's why we are calling on the Scottish Government to reinstate its Fuel Insecurity Fund this winter and throughout next year.
“As this crucial budget approaches, we know that this funding would be vital in helping support the thousands of households who will be contacting local and national trusted organisations agencies over the coming months for advice as they struggle to afford basic energy costs.”
Latest figures from the Scottish Government, show that fuel poverty rates in Scotland are now 31%, well above the 2019 figure of 24%. Fuel poverty happens when a household is spending more than 10% of their income on energy - after housing costs have been deducted.
Energy action Scotland’s chief executive added: “With both electricity and gas bills both recently increased by 10% the loss of the support provided by the Fuel Insecurity Fund cannot be overstated. It has had a significant impact already on advice agencies this year and their ability to support families in difficulty.”
The Scottish Government is estimated to have received £82m in Barnett consequentials from the UK Government because of its extension to the Household Support Fund for England during 2024/25 and has further extended this through 2025/26, no similar scheme operates north of the border.
“This funding is a direct result of money being made available through the provision of financial support to tackle fuel poverty in England, it is vital that all this money is made available to help tackle fuel poverty here as well,” added Frazer.
