Uist fuel poverty figures soar as energy prices rise by 80%
Stories about the rising cost of fuel have been a regular feature in Am Pàipear, with each new article setting out an alarming ‘new high’.
When we covered the issue back in November 2021, the standard tariff cap had risen to £1277, with pre-paid tariffs rising to £1309; when we looked again at the issue in the spring, the picture was more shocking still, with bills rising 54% to take the standard tariff to £1971 and pre-paid tariffs to £2017.
Last week’s Ofgem announcement of a further energy cap rise has made those figures look almost reasonable. The new cap sees the standard tariff cap rising 80% to £3,549, and further rises forecast to take average bills well over £6,500 by April of next year.
For households in the Western Isles, a worrying picture is made bleaker still by below average wages, the fierceness of our climate and some of the least energy efficient housing in the country.
Tighean Innse Gall’s last housing stock survey detailed that more than a third of island homes relied on electric heating, many using Total Heating Total Control systems that are costly to run and difficult to manage.
Scottish Government’s own figures for the period 2017 to 2019 evidenced fuel poverty rates of 40% for the Western Isles, the highest in Scotland and substantially higher than the 24% national average, with a quarter of our people living in extreme fuel poverty. In March this year that figure was reported to have risen to 57%, and is only set to get considerably worse when bills rise again in October.
Low income island households also lose out on Cold Weather Payments, which are offered when average temperatures fall below zero for seven consecutive days but don’t take account of the wind chill factor that has such a marked effect on the warmth of our homes.
The home energy crisis is set against the fastest ever fall in real pay and the inflation rate passing double figures for the first time in 40 years, pushing more and more households into debt. For those on the basic Universal Credit payment of £334.91 per month, (Just £265 for those under 25) it is difficult to see how that outcome can be avoided.
As the cost of living crisis grows, so do the number of people seeking help.
Uist CAB has seen an increase in the number of clients using its service and anticipates a steep rise as more and more people struggle with the cost of living.
Uist and Barra Foodback has seen the numbers using its services rise from 128 adults and 40 children in 2018, to 626 adults and 119 children in 2021, with over 570 emergency food parcels already distributed so far this year.
Local CAB Operations Manager Lynda MacLean has encouraged anyone who is struggling to meet their bills to get in touch: “Island folk are proud and there’s often a feeling that there’s always someone else worse off than yourself. But the situation is going to be very bleak for many people this winter. The best thing you can do is seek advice. It’s important if people are struggling with the cost of living that they reach out as there may be entitlement to additional benefits or grants. The CAB network offers free, impartial and confidential advice which is open to everyone regardless of background or circumstance.”
Uist Citizens Advice Bureau, Liniclate, Benbecula, HS7 5PJ
Telephone: 01870 602421
Money Advice: 01870 603807
bureau@uistcab.casonline.org.uk
Uist and Barra Foodbank will never turn people away and can be contacted on facebook, by phone on 01870 603819, or by email at uistandbarrarfoodbank@gmail.com. Food is available 24/7 outside the foodbank doors byTagsa Gardens at East Camp.
Tighean Innse Gall operate the Home Heat Support Fund for households struggling with energy costs – call them on 01851 706121 or email info@tighean.co.uk.
The Comhairle’s Financial Inclusion Service can provide information on financial and other support services, and has a dedicated Uist based officer. 01851 822654 – inclusion@cne-siar.gov.uk.
Samaritans operate a free, confidential 24hr support line for anyone, whatever they are going though. Contact them by phone on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.
