More homes suffering fuel poverty

More than £250m has been spent on fuel poverty

Fuel poverty has increased in homes across Scotland, according to a new survey.

Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm demanded action from power firms after figures showed that 14.5% of homes in Scotland were fuel poor.

Between 1996 and 2002 the number of fuel-poor homes had dropped from 35% to 13%. But the latest figures for 2003/04 showed a 1.5% increase.

The Scottish Executive has spent more than £250m tackling fuel poverty.

Central heating systems have been provided for 65,000 homes and more than 224,000 houses have been insulated under the Warm Deal scheme.

Protecting customers

Mr Chisholm said: "We realise that energy efficiency measures form only one plank in the fight against fuel poverty and that it is important to also increase incomes.

"The central heating programme provides a free benefits health check to ensure people receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.

"I have written to energy companies pressing them for action to protect their poorest and most vulnerable customers from the full impact of increasing price rises, for example by establishing social tariffs."

A household is in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on all household fuel use in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.

'Slow progress'

Chas Booth, parliamentary officer for the Association for the Conservation of Energy (Ace), welcomed an improvement in energy efficiency outlined in the survey, but said more must be done.

"Progress is far too slow," he said.

He said ministers must redouble their efforts.

In 2002 an estimated 31% of homes were classed as having a "good" energy efficiency rating, while the figure rose to 40% in 2003/04.

The Communities Scotland survey also showed that 70% of homes were failing to meet housing quality standards.