Those who struggle to heat their homes in winter are more likely to be under 65 and living in rented accommodation
Younger Scots are more likely to struggle to heat their homes in winter than those over 65.
New research from Citizens Advice Scotland has found that despite the belief that it is old people who are living in fuel poverty, younger people in rented accommodation are the real victims of rising fuel bills.
The research found that people in rural areas and those who use electric heating were also at high risk of fuel poverty.
According to the study, the age group most likely to be struggling financially was actually those aged 45 to 54. Those who said they were managing financially were nearly four times as likely to be over 65 as those who said they were struggling financially.
Around 25% of people aged 45 to 54 reported a heating problem, compared to just 10% of those aged 75 to 84.
And 64% of people who own their home said they had no heating problem, compared to just 9% living in housing assocation properties, 10% in privately rented homes and 15% in council housing.
The charity’s report has been published ahead of a major conference this week on fuel poverty. It will consider the Scottish Government’s plans to change the definition of fuel poverty.
Currently people are described as fuel poor if they spend more than 10% of their household income on energy.
The new definition will use household income after housing costs and add the further requirement that the household has less than 90% of Scotland’s Minimum Income Standard after fuel and housing costs have been deleted.
It is hoped it will help ensure support reaches those who most need it.
CAS energy spokesman Craig Salter said: “This research gives us a vital insight into the real life experiences of those who are defined as fuel poor, and the specific support needs of households in different circumstances.
“This research points towards some of the key priorities for the successful eradication of fuel poverty. These include providing financial support to increase incomes or reduce fuel bills, ensuring that higher living costs in remote rural areas are taken into account, and targeting appropriate support at those with the greatest need.”
CAS also identified that people struggling the most with fuel poverty were least likely to access support. The report recommends doing more to increase awareness of fuel poverty advice and support.
The research was conducted for CAS in 2017 by Ipsos Mori and Bill Sheldrick of Alembic Research. It included secondary analysis of Scottish Household Survey data as well as qualitative interviews with fuel poor households.
