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Fuel poverty figures on the rise Fuel poverty figures on the rise
(40 minutes later)
The number of people living in fuel poverty rose last year, according to the Scottish Government.The number of people living in fuel poverty rose last year, according to the Scottish Government.
Latest official figures said 569,000 (24.6%) of households had to spend at least 10% of their income on fuel in 2007, up from 23.5% in 2005/2006.Latest official figures said 569,000 (24.6%) of households had to spend at least 10% of their income on fuel in 2007, up from 23.5% in 2005/2006.
Last week in parliament, the deputy first minister admitted the government was edging backwards from its target of eliminating fuel poverty by 2016.Last week in parliament, the deputy first minister admitted the government was edging backwards from its target of eliminating fuel poverty by 2016.
The aim is to have no-one paying more than 20% of their income on heating.The aim is to have no-one paying more than 20% of their income on heating.
The Scottish House Condition Survey also revealed that 163,000 households were "extremely fuel poor".The Scottish House Condition Survey also revealed that 163,000 households were "extremely fuel poor".
It suggested many homes were in a state of disrepair and few were energy efficient.It suggested many homes were in a state of disrepair and few were energy efficient.
We must take action on the high levels of disrepair in Scotland's housing stock Stewart MaxwellCommunities minister If ever a wake-up call were needed into how widespread the housing crisis is today, then this report provides it in spades Graeme BrownShelter Scotland
The report said 79% of homes needed some form of repair, and 49% were in urgent need of repair.The report said 79% of homes needed some form of repair, and 49% were in urgent need of repair.
About 74% of homes failed the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) in 2007 - mainly because of poor energy efficiency.About 74% of homes failed the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) in 2007 - mainly because of poor energy efficiency.
However, it also said 50% were rated "good" in terms of energy efficiency on the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) scale, and only 4% were rated "poor".However, it also said 50% were rated "good" in terms of energy efficiency on the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) scale, and only 4% were rated "poor".
Last week, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a new strategy for tackling fuel poverty.Last week, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a new strategy for tackling fuel poverty.
The energy assistance package has been backed with £55.m a year - which the government said was a 20% increase on existing fuel poverty budgets.The energy assistance package has been backed with £55.m a year - which the government said was a 20% increase on existing fuel poverty budgets.
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell admitted the figures made for "sober reading", but claimed the energy assistance package would help to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell admitted the figures made for "sober reading", but claimed the energy assistance package would help to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.
Central heatingCentral heating
He said: "Beginning next April, this will improve on the existing fuel poverty programmes by reaching more people, including for the first time, low income families with a child under five or a disabled child under 16, providing a wider range of support in one integrated package, and beginning to tackle rural fuel poverty more effectively.He said: "Beginning next April, this will improve on the existing fuel poverty programmes by reaching more people, including for the first time, low income families with a child under five or a disabled child under 16, providing a wider range of support in one integrated package, and beginning to tackle rural fuel poverty more effectively.
"We have also invested an additional £10m for the central heating programme which will help thousands of pensioners this winter."We have also invested an additional £10m for the central heating programme which will help thousands of pensioners this winter.
"In addition, we must take action on the high levels of disrepair in Scotland's housing stock."In addition, we must take action on the high levels of disrepair in Scotland's housing stock.
"That is why next year we are introducing wider, more flexible powers for local authorities to assist owners who need to carry out their repair responsibilities.""That is why next year we are introducing wider, more flexible powers for local authorities to assist owners who need to carry out their repair responsibilities."
Mr Maxwell said the Scottish Economic Recovery Plan also included measures to help households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate.Mr Maxwell said the Scottish Economic Recovery Plan also included measures to help households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate.
And he said the home report, due to be introduced next month, would make house buyers and sellers more aware of the state of repair of a home and any energy efficiency issues.And he said the home report, due to be introduced next month, would make house buyers and sellers more aware of the state of repair of a home and any energy efficiency issues.
'Victorian standards'
Shelter Scotland described the report as a "wake up call".
The charity's director, Graeme Brown, said: "Today's report shows that, for many of our citizens Victorian levels of housing hardship persist.
"It beggars belief that over half a million households face the indignity of fuel poverty; that over 100,000 homes are plagued with damp; and that almost 90,000 homes cannot even reach the most basic standard of energy efficiency.
"These headline figures also disguise the harsh reality that the worst conditions are endured by the poorest members of society. If ever a wake-up call were needed into how widespread the housing crisis is today, then this report provides it in spades."