We learned today from the Scottish Government about the unacceptable housing conditions too many older people are living in. The latest statistics released today show that 280,000 (30%) of older households were living in fuel poverty in Scotland in 2024, with a shocking 152,000 (16%) in extreme fuel poverty. On top of this, 50% of older households live in a home which has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or below, meaning it has poor energy efficiency and is more expensive to heat.
This highlights why we have made housing one of our central asks for all parties in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament election in May and are calling on all politicians to tackle tis issue. No one in later life should have to live in a cold home which adversely impacts their physical and mental health. Find out more by watching our short video by Debbie Horne, our Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager, on why improving housing is so important for older people.
This is an important year to make sure the 160,000 older people living in poverty in Scotland are heard, and with your continued support we can make this happen. This is also one of the main aims in the Scotland Branch Manifesto which has been sent to all the major parties for the May Scottish Parliament election.
Josh, Independent Age campaigner.
