Fuel poverty in selected Scottish cities
As shown in the chart above, 24% of houses in Glasgow in financial year 2012/13 were thought to be in fuel poverty. This was a higher rate than in Aberdeen and Edinburgh (22% and 21% respectively), but lower than in Dundee (33%). Dundee was the only one of the four cities to be above the Scottish fuel poverty rate, which is 27%. The rates of the cities range from 21% to 33%.
A household in fuel poverty is defined by the Scottish Government’s 2002 Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement as ‘one that needs to spend more than 10% of its income (including Housing Benefit or Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.’ The likelihood of a household experiencing fuel poverty is influenced by income, fuel costs and energy efficiency of the dwelling.
The Scottish Government has published local indicators of fuel poverty down to an intermediate zone level. It is advised that these estimates should be considered as a broad guide and used alongside other local knowledge. Accompanying maps provide an indication of the relative distribution of fuel poverty in Scotland, identifying areas with very high and very low levels of fuel poverty.
ResourceThursday, 26 May 2011A new, interactive index allowing users to measure and compare their lives.
ResourceWednesday, 18 May 2011Progress on sustainability, highlighting environmental performance, quality of life and their readiness for the challenges of the future
ResourceMonday, 1 December 2008A new approach to environment and health in Scotland