SFHA responds to Energy Price Cap announcement

Sally Thomas, CEO, SFHA said:

“While any lowering of essential energy costs is welcome, the new cap is still markedly higher than pre-2021 rates – and far too high for too many. There’s no doubt that as we move into the winter months social tenants across Scotland will struggle to afford to heat their homes or keep the lights on, which simply isn’t right.

The new cap also doesn’t represent the actual price paid, with overall costs still influenced by the amount of energy used and type of heating system, with people who depend on electricity facing much bigger bills. And those who are often most vulnerable, for example having to use more energy due to health needs, still face disproportionately higher costs.

With previous UK government support schemes now ended, we cannot leave people who are already struggling to stay afloat without support. We would urge the UK government to reinstate immediate support as winter approaches. And we urgently need to see the introduction of a social tariff that would guarantee lower bills in the longer-term for those who need it most.”