Most housing associations have recorded an increase in people self-disconnecting to save cash
A majority of housing association tenants have had to disconnect power or turn off heating because they can’t afford it.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has found increasing numbers of experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty.
It found that most housing associations have recorded an increase in people self-disconnecting power to save cash.
The SFHA has released the findings of a fuel poverty survey ahead of the stage three proceedings of the fuel poverty (target, definition and strategy Scotland) bill on Thursday, 6 June.
Seventy-three per cent of respondents said they had noticed an increase in the number of tenants experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty, often as a result of welfare reform.
Wider poverty issues, rising energy prices and increased fuel debt were also given as reasons for increasing fuel poverty.
Sixty-one per cent of the housing associations and co-operatives reported an increase in the number of tenants self-disconnecting their own power or heating due to fuel poverty. Welfare reform was also given as the main reason for self-disconnection.
A staff member from an Argyll and Bute-based housing association said: “A number of tenants have stopped using heating because they can’t afford it… mostly it’s because they don’t want another bill to worry about, so they do without whenever possible.”
Housing associations also reported an increase in the number of tenants in fuel debt, with 73% stating that levels had risen.
SFHA says associations are working hard to ensure their tenants do not have to cut back on heating because they cannot afford it. In Glasgow, one housing association helped its tenants to manage a total of £63,000 of fuel debt.
Housing associations are working closely with money and debt advice providers to reduce fuel poverty for tenants.
Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, said: “It is shocking how many people are struggling to afford to heat their homes. The UK government must take urgent action to raise social security in line with inflation to ensure no-one has to choose between heating or eating.
“Social landlords are working hard to make homes more energy efficient and reduce the cost of heating them for their tenants. However, in order to end fuel poverty, it is vital social landlords are eligible for grant assistance from the Scottish Government.”
