Scottish Government extends fuel poverty support

By Cathy Reay

Campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to extend its fuel poverty programmes to some poorer families with disabled children.

The help for families who have disabled children under 16 and are on income support will apply to its two fuel poverty programmes.

The Central Heating programme provides heating, insulation and advice, while Warm Deal offers a £500 grant for a package of insulation measures and additional funding and support for pensioners.

In addition, another £10 million will be invested in the Central Heating programme, so it can be offered to more families and pensioners.

An Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland spokesman said: “The most recent research we have seen suggest that up to 40 per cent of families with disabled children are living in fuel poverty in Scotland.

“We know that families with disabled children face higher fuel costs related to their disability or simply because they are spending more time in the house.

“This announcement of an extension of cover for support with central heating costs to families with disabled children under 16 is welcome, particularly at a time of rocketing fuel costs”.

A Scottish Disability Equality Forum spokeswoman added: “Disabled people between the ages of 16-60 are still missing out because the measures taken tend to mean they aren’t catered for, even though their needs do need to be tackled.”

Bill Scott, policy officer at Inclusion Scotland, also welcomed the action, but called for more to be done, including increased funding for specialist advice programmes, and greatly increased investment and grants.
4 November, 2008