Hard-up tenants are disconnecting heating systems in their own homes as they can’t afford to use them, a survey of housing associations across Scotland has suggested. The report was published ahead of a Scottish Parliament vote this week on the Fuel Poverty Bill, which will set a target on the eradication of the problem north of the Border. Official figures estimate that over a quarter of households live in fuel poverty, which is presently defined as those which spend more than 10 per cent of total income on household fuel. A survey by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) published today found that a majority reported an increase in tenants self-disconnecting their own power or heating due to fuel poverty. Seventy-three per cent of respondents said they had noticed an increase in the number of tenants experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty. Wider poverty issues, rising energy prices and increased fuel debt were also given as reasons for increasing fuel poverty. In one response, 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.”
Scotsman 4th June 2019 read more »
The National 4th June 2019 read more »