Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel sets out initial advice for Scottish Government to support those in fuel poverty

The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel has published immediate actions for the Scottish Government in response to escalating energy prices and the impact on those in fuel poverty.  

The newly formed independent advisory panel, established to provide advice and scrutinise the Scottish Government on its progress in tackling the key drivers of fuel poverty, has offered 11 recommendations, nine of which it recommends should be actioned in the short term.

This preliminary advice has been offered to ensure that the extent of fuel poverty and its effects are fully understood, existing programmes and relationships work effectively, and there is preparation in place for the medium and longer term.

The recommendations relate to the following themes:

• optimising advice agencies’ delivery to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices, and other cost of living challenges, on households
• protecting those suffering fuel poverty, and those at risk of entering fuel poverty, from its long-term effects
• continuing to advocate for government funding and policy change to mitigate the escalating disparity between incomes and energy prices
• monitoring and evaluating the fuel poverty strategy.

The advice is focused on tackling the four drivers of fuel poverty, namely poor energy efficiency of the home, low household income, high fuel costs and how energy is used in the home.

Building on the knowledge and understanding of its members, the panel consulted widely, with advice agencies, energy companies, regulators and those who have lived experience of fuel poverty, to draw up the recommendations put forward.

Matthew Cole, Chair, Scottish Fuel Advisory Panel said: “Before the recent spate of energy price rises, one in four households were living in fuel poverty across Scotland. This figure is only going to rise.

“What we are increasingly seeing are those with the least means often rationing their energy use to the point that it is harmful to their health and wellbeing, with demand on energy advice agencies increasing week on week.

“These preliminary recommendations are designed to encourage the Scottish Government to take all possible action to ensure crucial advice and support is there for those suffering the effects of fuel poverty and to continue to urge rapid action from the UK Government to close the gap between incomes and rising energy costs. 

“Effectively tackling the key drivers of fuel poverty requires a collaborative approach and the panel is committed to engaging widely across the third and energy sectors to drive the changes needed.”

You can find the recommendations to the right of this article.