In Scotland, a household is in fuel poverty if it spends more than 10% of its income on fuel costs and if the remaining household income is insufficient to maintain an adequate standard of living.
There are four key drivers of fuel poverty:
- Cost of energy
- Energy efficiency of the home
- Household income
- How energy is used in the home
Housing associations and co-operatives have invested significantly in their homes, and have some of the most energy efficient homes in Scotland compared to other tenures. However, as social sector tenants tend to be on low incomes, fuel poverty remains a significant issue.
The SFHA supports members to help their customers with fuel poverty through administering emergency funding such as the Social Housing Fuel Support Fund. Our strategic partners Changeworks and Warmworks can also provide support, including through the direct referrals to the Changeworks Affordable Warmth Service.
The SFHA represents the sector by campaigning alongside supporting organisations such as the Existing Homes Alliance, Energy Action Scotland and the Highlands & Islands Housing Associations Affordable Warmth Group.
