Fuel poverty and housing conditions: As in other parts of the UK, around a third of Scottish households live in fuel poverty, and vulnerable households predominantly occupy properties with the worst energy efficiency ratings. Yet because of Scotland’s geography and climate, homes need to consume significantly more energy to maintain the same temperature in comparison with those in England. The puzzle of why expenditure on fuel and levels of fuel poverty are no higher than those elsewhere in the UK despite this greater energy use is explained by the fact that in reality average temperatures in Scottish properties are lower; that is, they are being underheated.

Health impacts: Home temperatures would appear to have a connection to excess winter deaths; as indoor temperatures have risen, the number of excess deaths has fallen. Damp housing is linked to respiratory illness – where improvements are made, conditions are ameliorated. In general, poor health is associated with deprivation and poverty, and the west of Scotland fares worst on this measure.

Current initiatives: Some progress has been made in improving energy efficiency through a variety of local and national programmes, but investment remains too limited to make a meaningful impact. Improvements to housing quality are more cost-effective than subsidising fuel.