Written Question · S6W-06911 · Session 6
How many older people who are in relative or absolute poverty have raised concerns with it regarding not being able to afford both heating …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government how many older people who are in relative or absolute poverty have raised concerns with it regarding not being able to afford both heating and food this winter, and what information it has on how many such older people have raised such concerns to stakeholder organisations.
The answer
The Scottish Government does not hold information on how many older people who are in relative or absolute poverty have raised concerns about not being able to afford both heating and food this winter. The sources of information below provides indicators of levels of poverty; and engagement with stakeholder organisations.
Poverty and food insecurity
One indicator of levels of poverty and food insecurity is the latest Family Resources Survey (FRS). The most recent information available for 2019/20 showed that food insecurity rates for Scotland reflected those of the UK as a whole, and that the rate of food insecurity was lower for people over 65. Both the FRS and the 2020 Scottish Health Survey (SHeS) indicated rates of between 1% and 3% for over 65s, compared to 8% overall.
According to the FRS, around a quarter of people in both relative and absolute poverty were experiencing low, or very low food security. The relative poverty rate after housing costs for pensioners was 14% in 2017-20, or 150,000 pensioners each year
- consistently below that for working-age adults (19%).
Fuel poverty
Data from the Scottish Government’s national Warmer Homes Scotland (WHS) scheme provides an indicator for those at risk of fuel poverty. The scheme is designed to help those living in or at risk of fuel poverty through installing insulation and heating measures into individual properties. Eligibility for the scheme is based on “proxies”, including certain benefits such as Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which are an indication of the likelihood of the household living in or being at risk of fuel poverty.
Referrals to WHS during the period 1 November 2021 and 28 February 2022 are as follows.
Age
Number
50-60
498
66-74
753
75 and over
714
The Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, is designed to help those living in fuel poverty or at risk of fuel poverty through installing insulation and heating measures into individual properties.
More than £166 million has been invested through the scheme since its launch in September 2015 helping over 25,000 households throughout Scotland. Warmer Homes Scotland has an increased budget of £50 million for 2021-2022.
Engagement with stakeholder organisations
Citizens Advice Scotland, deliver a Money Talk Team income maximisation service. Between November 20 and October 21, CAS provided advice on Warmer Homes/fuel poverty/switching supplier/services and schemes to reduce energy costs to 646 older people.
Age Scotland have reported a noticeable number of these types of calls to their National Helpline including challenges on affording energy bills and other essentials such as food in the last few months (although the way they are recorded does not fall neatly into the categories requested).
Poverty and food insecurity
One indicator of levels of poverty and food insecurity is the latest Family Resources Survey (FRS). The most recent information available for 2019/20 showed that food insecurity rates for Scotland reflected those of the UK as a whole, and that the rate of food insecurity was lower for people over 65. Both the FRS and the 2020 Scottish Health Survey (SHeS) indicated rates of between 1% and 3% for over 65s, compared to 8% overall.
According to the FRS, around a quarter of people in both relative and absolute poverty were experiencing low, or very low food security. The relative poverty rate after housing costs for pensioners was 14% in 2017-20, or 150,000 pensioners each year
- consistently below that for working-age adults (19%).
Fuel poverty
Data from the Scottish Government’s national Warmer Homes Scotland (WHS) scheme provides an indicator for those at risk of fuel poverty. The scheme is designed to help those living in or at risk of fuel poverty through installing insulation and heating measures into individual properties. Eligibility for the scheme is based on “proxies”, including certain benefits such as Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which are an indication of the likelihood of the household living in or being at risk of fuel poverty.
Referrals to WHS during the period 1 November 2021 and 28 February 2022 are as follows.
Age
Number
50-60
498
66-74
753
75 and over
714
The Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, is designed to help those living in fuel poverty or at risk of fuel poverty through installing insulation and heating measures into individual properties.
More than £166 million has been invested through the scheme since its launch in September 2015 helping over 25,000 households throughout Scotland. Warmer Homes Scotland has an increased budget of £50 million for 2021-2022.
Engagement with stakeholder organisations
Citizens Advice Scotland, deliver a Money Talk Team income maximisation service. Between November 20 and October 21, CAS provided advice on Warmer Homes/fuel poverty/switching supplier/services and schemes to reduce energy costs to 646 older people.
Age Scotland have reported a noticeable number of these types of calls to their National Helpline including challenges on affording energy bills and other essentials such as food in the last few months (although the way they are recorded does not fall neatly into the categories requested).
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-06911 by reference.