UK Government urged to protect tenants as energy bills set to rise
Energy price cap increase will hit households hard this winter.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is calling on the UK Government to step up its efforts to protect tenants as energy bills are set to rise again this winter.
Ofgem’s announcement today (23 August) revealed that the energy price cap will increase by 10%, pushing the average annual bill to £1,717—a £149 hike from the current typical cost.
Before the General Election in July, SFHA, along with other housing federations across the UK, urged the incoming government to introduce a social tariff—a discounted energy rate for low-income households.
Ahead of Scottish Government’s Programme for Government in September, they are also calling for a replacement the scrapped Fuel Insecurity and Winter Hardship funds with a Cost-of-Living Fund. This comes after an SFHA report found that 95% of social tenants struggled with the costs of food and energy.
Carolyn Lochhead, SFHA’s Director of External Affairs, said: “As we look towards winter, housing associations across Scotland will continue to do everything they can to help tenants heat their homes. However, our members are more stretched than ever - so they simply can’t do this alone.
“Today’s announcement makes it even more urgent that both the UK and Scottish Government ensure people aren’t facing months of hardship, where they can’t afford to keep themselves and their families warm. We must now see the introduction of a social tariff alongside direct financial support for those who need it most.”