Tag: energy bills

Burnham to cut tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living

New Prime Minister takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter

  • New Prime Minister takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter
  • Tax cut this year funded from cancelled Digital ID programme will see VAT on electricity bills removed from October 1
  • In one of his first acts as Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to “put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope”

Millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter, the Prime Minister has announced as one of his first decisions in office. 

This follows his commitment to the nation on the steps of Downing Street yesterday to give people some breathing space and help with the cost of living. 

Government is tackling rising bills with a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1 in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap. This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year.

The cost of this immediate action for this financial year – taken now, before the next price cap – is being funded from the cancellation of the (£1.8bn) Digital ID programme.

Any further action, including on funding for longer-term measures, will be taken at the Budget alongside an OBR forecast.  All decisions at that point will continue to be funded and also consistent with the government’s fiscal rules.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living.  

“That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.

“We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”

Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.  

By targeting electricity bills, more people will be supported with rising bills and the government is helping to keep inflation down.  

All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs, as they did with the £150 of costs taken off energy bills announced at the last Budget.

Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate will also benefit.  

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey MP said: “For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living. 

“Today’s energy tax cut will give families some breathing room on bills, and provide some reassurance this winter. 

“This measure is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and it will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.”

Welcoming the announcement, local MP Tracy Gilbert MP said:  “Families across Edinburgh North and Leith have been paying the price for the cost-of-living crisis for far too long. This VAT cut on energy bills is welcome news that will make a real difference to household finances.

“Labour is taking practical action to reduce costs for working people and deliver the change people voted for. This is a government that is on your side, helping families with the pressures they face every day.”

Responding to the announcement of the scrapping of the 5% VAT charge on electricity bills, Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE, said: “Today’s VAT cut to electricity bills is an important and welcome acknowledgement that immediate action is needed to drive down energy costs.

“We hope the removal of the 5% VAT charge from October – reducing the typical annual bill by around £45 – signals the start of sustained action by the new Prime Minister to ease the relentless financial pressures on older people living on low incomes.

“We are already hearing from older people on low incomes who are rationing their energy use or cutting back on the essentials, and that’s before the winter months take hold when energy use increases.

“If Andy Burnham is to make good on his pledge to ease the cost-of-living pressures and help millions of older people living in poverty, we urge him to go further and lead his government to increase the Warm Home Discount from £150 to £400 without adding the cost to energy bills and develop a more comprehensive energy social tariff for people of all ages on low incomes.”

Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.  

By targeting electricity bills, more people will be supported with rising bills and the government is helping to keep inflation down.  

All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs, as they did with the £150 of costs taken off energy bills announced at the last Budget.

Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate will also benefit.  

As part of the ‘day one commitment to bring back hope to Britain’, the change supports the poorest households, who spend a higher percentage of their income on energy bills. 

Energy bills have risen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have been exacerbated because of the war in Iran. But people need support now, which is why the government has acted to provide immediate breathing space for millions of households.

Campaigners call for action on pensioner poverty from party leaders ahead of May’s election

129 campaigners, led by the national charity Independent Age, have sent letters to the leaders of the six political parties expected to gain seats in May’s Holyrood election, calling on them to take action to tackle pensioner poverty.

160,000 (or one in six) older people across Scotland live in poverty. In the letter, campaigners call on politicians to make five pledges to address this growing issue, including creating a pensioner poverty strategy, appointing an Older People’s Commissioner and reducing energy bills.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “Campaigners across Scotland are clear: we need action on pensioner poverty. The numbers of older people in financial hardship are far too high, with one in six now affected.

“These are older people who can’t afford their rent, skip meals, heat only one room in the winter and cannot afford to meet up with a friend for a cup of tea.

“Poverty in later life is not inevitable, nor should it be. We’ve seen that financial hardship can be reduced by political action. Those standing for election in May can make later life more secure and dignified for everyone by committing to the actions our campaigners are calling for.

“In a compassionate and caring society, we should look out for each other and together end the injustice of pensioner poverty.”

The letters, each addressed to the party leaders of the six biggest political parties in Scotland, will reach their recipients this week. The letters outline what campaigners want to see from whoever leads the next Scottish Government to bring down pensioner poverty. The charity released the publication ‘Security not struggle: a manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty’ which sets out five key pledges.

This includes an action-focused, target driven pensioner poverty strategy and a warm homes programme for older people on a low income to reduce energy bills. Additionally, it calls on the Scottish Government to both improve access to and increase funding for Discretionary Housing Payments to support the rent shortfall faced by many older renters on a low income.  

Independent Age also believes that the social security system can be improved. It wants a review of Pension Age Disability Payment by April 2027, with a specific focus on introducing a mobility component. The organisation also wants to see a commitment to delivering a Minimum Income Guarantee. 

Finally, the charity is calling for the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner, who would both listen to, and be a voice for people in later life, and raise awareness of financial entitlements that older people are not receiving such as Pension Credit.   

THE LETTER READS:

Dear Party Leader,

We believe in a Scotland where older people can live with security, not struggle. Where the systems we build together provide a foundation of dignity and a life free from poverty.  

Today, 160,000 older people in Scotland are living in poverty - more than at any point in nearly twenty years – with half in severe poverty. This is not inevitable. It is the result of systems that are not delivering for older people on low incomes: gaps in social security, unaffordable rents, and homes that cannot be kept warm.  

Tackling pensioner poverty is possible through policy choices. And action by political parties in the next Scottish Parliament can progress solutions.   

We are writing ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election as campaigners supporting Independent Age, the national charity for older people on a low income. We ask every party to commit to the five demands in its manifesto, Security Not Struggle: A Manifesto to Reduce Pensioner Poverty. 

1.  Implement a national Pensioner Poverty Strategy 

Scotland has the opportunity to be the first nation in the UK to put in place a cross-cutting strategy harnessing devolved powers to reduce pensioner poverty. The changes needed to turn the tide on rising pensioner poverty include social security, housing, food and energy – it’s time for a strategic plan to reduce pensioner poverty over the next Parliament. 

2.  Appoint a Commissioner for Older People 

More than half of older people feel unrepresented by their MSPs and nearly two thirds feel unrepresented by the Scottish Government. An independent Commissioner, established in law, would ensure older people’s rights and issues are amplified, heard by decision makers and support future policy development to meet the needs of our ageing population. 

3.  Deliver a decent and dignified social security system 

Social security should be the foundation of security in later life – but too often people fall through the gaps in the system. In Scotland, we can better support older people on low incomes if we act to introduce a mobility component to Pension Age Disability Payment, a Special Recognition Payment for older carers, and commit to a Minimum Income Guarantee: a floor below which no one falls. 

4.  Reduce energy bills 

Older people are most impacted by fuel poverty; around a third of older households are in fuel poverty and half of older people live in homes with poor energy efficiency. This is a structural issue – built into Scotland’s ageing housing stock. A targeted warm homes programme for older people on low incomes, backed by properly funded energy efficiency schemes, is essential to reduce fuel poverty and help meet Scotland’s own legal targets. 

5.  Guarantee the right to a secure and affordable home 

A home is the foundation of a dignified life. Yet renters, who make up just one in five pensioners, account for nearly half of all older people in poverty, and more than 25,000 are on a waiting list for social housing. It’s time to increase Discretionary Housing Payments, build the homes older people need, and enshrine the right to housing in Scots law. 

People of all ages in Scotland support our calls for change: 9 in 10 recognise poverty is a growing problem for older people, and an overwhelming majority want more action from political parties.  

We ask each of you to commit to taking action on pensioner poverty and to support the five asks in Security Not Struggle. We believe this is the right thing to do. Older people across Scotland are counting on you. 

Yours sincerely, 

Independent Age campaigners across Scotland 

Scotland_manifesto_2026Download

Energy bill support extended for millions of families

Warm Home Discount has been extended so millions of families will receive the £150 energy bill discount for the rest of the decade

  • Eligible households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter until 2030/2031
  • Families across Britain to benefit, with major reform to ensure more Scottish consumers get what they are entitled to automatically
  • News comes ahead of reduction to costs in April, when households will benefit from an average £150 of costs off energy bills

Millions of families will receive the Warm Home Discount for the rest of the decade, as the government today confirms the continuation of the scheme through to 2030/2031. 

The extension will see eligible households provided with the £150 rebate on their energy bills every winter until 2030/2031. 

This follows the government’s expansion of the Warm Home Discount last year, adding 2.7 million families to the scheme and bringing the total number of eligible households to around 6 million. This is on top of the average £150 of costs being taken off households’ energy bills from April, through measures announced at the Budget. 

Hundreds of thousands of Scottish billpayers will also benefit from reforms to the way the Warm Home Discount is administered, with around 345,000 families in Scotland set to receive the £150 rebate automatically next winter – an increase of around 250,000. 

The onus has for years been on many Scottish households to get in touch with their supplier to apply for the rebate. These changes will simplify the process for the majority of those eligible for the discount in Scotland, bringing the scheme closer into line with that in England and Wales – where most recipients already get the rebate automatically. 

A small number of households need to provide extra information to ensure they get the discount this winter (2025/2026). If they have received a letter advising them to call the helpline, they must do so by 27 February 2026 – now less than one month away.  

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Tackling the affordability crisis is the government’s number one priority.  

“That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade.  

“That will give families much-needed peace of mind that they will continue to receive vital support in the cold winter months, as we take action to bring down bills for good.”

It comes after the government last week launched the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, the biggest home upgrade plan in British history, to help millions of families cut their bills. 

From April, households will also save an average £150 of costs on energy bills, with some consumers set to benefit significantly more – for example a high use electric storage heated household could save more than £400 on costs per year. 

Ned Hammond, Deputy Director, Policy (Customers) at Energy UK said: “It’s very good news to see confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will be in place until the end of the decade which, particularly with the recent expansion, will provide continuing vital support with energy bills to millions of customers. The changes in Scotland are also very welcome as it will mean many more customers receiving the discount automatically without having to apply.

“We now look forward to working with the government on further changes to the scheme, including better targeting and tiered support, to ensure that is both directed to those most in need and provides the right level of assistance to really make a difference for customers struggling to afford bills.”

Matt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy Action says: “The 5-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament. Alongside energy advice and wider support to help maximise people’s incomes, directly reducing energy bills can be a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who cannot keep their homes adequately warm. 

“Six million households across Great Britain now receive the discount and the revised eligibility criteria give greater certainty about who will benefit each year. It is also essential that support is continuing for energy advice and for measures that reach people who are not within the benefits system.

“Without this, many households who cannot be identified through government data matching will remain without the help they need.”

Half of Scots say their homes are too cold, with over a third worried about affording energy bills this winter

Fuel poverty in Scotland may be accelerating, with those under 35 particularly hard hit, according to new findings from Edinburgh-based energy efficiency social enterprise Changeworks.  

The organisation’s recent survey found that half of households in Scotland (50%) say their home is not as warm as they would like or is cold. The Scottish Government estimates that around a third (34%) of households in Scotland were in fuel poverty in its latest figures – from 2023.  

The survey, by 56 Degree Insight for Changeworks, also found that more than a third (37%) of Scots are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, with concern rising to almost half of those under 35 (45%).  

Stigma around fuel poverty can prevent those living in cold homes and struggling with energy bills from seeking advice and support. As a result, the issue often goes underreported, leaving those in cold households across Scotland without the help they need.  

The coldness of many Scottish homes has knock-on effects for the wellbeing, work and productivity of employees, too. As a result, Changeworks is highlighting a unique opportunity for companies to engage with their staff on this issue through its Low Carbon Living sessions, as an important part of wider employee benefit and Environmental, Social and Governance provisions.  

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Fuel poverty and the inefficiency of many Scottish homes affect an increasingly wide cross-section of society. 

“As part of growing efforts to tackle fuel poverty, there is now a significant opportunity for employers to engage with their people on this issue to improve wellbeing, reduce bills and ensure out-of-office working conditions support a productive workforce. 

“For employers in Edinburgh and the Lothians, our practical Low Carbon Living sessions deliver free energy and money-saving advice to workplaces and community groups, online or in person. 

“These sessions help to overcome the challenges identified in the latest survey, giving individuals the knowledge and support to make positive change in their homes that can benefit the environment, as well as the individual. 

“Personalised support is also available to households through our free and confidential Green Energy Helpline.” 

Commenting on the impact of Low Carbon Living sessions, Rob Turnbull, Sustainability Manager at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), said: “The Low Carbon Living session was highly engaging and offered practical, easy-to-implement advice on energy use, heating, and electric vehicles.

“At the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, we are committed to educating our staff and encouraging low-carbon lifestyles, and this session was a valuable contribution to that work. We would happily recommend it to other organisations.” 

Professor Gary Hutchison, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Board of Governance at Edinburgh Napier University, added: “At Edinburgh Napier, we believe that every action counts when it comes to environmental sustainability.

“By supporting our staff and students to make meaningful changes in their own lives, we’re benefiting not only ourselves, but also our local and wider community.

“Working with organisations like Changeworks allows us to inform and empower our University community and create positive change together.”

Over the last three years, Changeworks has supported 215,943 households across Scotland, helping to reduce bills and carbon emissions.  

In 2024-25 alone, Changeworks and its joint venture, Warmworks’ services, saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 655,809 UK households’ electricity use. 

Children First urges families worried about bills in Edinburgh to call support line during cold snap

As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this January to reach out for help.

The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.

Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.

The team saw the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent towards the end of 2025.They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.

“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”

In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.

Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.

He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”

Parents and carers can contact the support line via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline or call free on 08000 28 22 33.

The service is available seven days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9am–9pm
Weekends: 9am–12 noon.

For more information, visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk.

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.

Children First urges families worried about bills in Edinburgh to call support line during cold snap

As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this winter to reach out for help.

The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.

Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.

The team has seen the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent so far this year. They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.

“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”

In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.

Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.

He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”

Parents and carers can contact the support line via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline or call free on 08000 28 22 33.

The service is available seven days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9am–9pm
Weekends: 9am–12 noon.

For more information, visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk.

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.

Free face-to-face energy support comes to North Edinburgh

Nearly a third of people still don’t seek help when struggling with bills

Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)

In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting.  

“Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).

It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter.

“We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The next drop-in events are taking place in North Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at the Resource Centre on Pennywell Road on Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th of November from 10am – 2pm.

Tomorrow: Housing Drop-In at Royston Wardieburn

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY from 10am – 12 noon at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Housing information drop in this Wednesday at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 10am-12noon ☺️

Staff/advisors are coming from:

City of Edinburgh Council Housing

LIFT

Granton Information Centre

Changeworks

RIGHT THERE

Grab a cuppa and get some advice!

Essential bills “eating away” at incomes of lowest earners

As consumers brace themselves for the higher prices kicking in from today across bills including energy, water and broadband, those on the lowest incomes are running out of options, Citizens Advice warns.

Households in the lowest 10% for income already spend around two fifths (41%) of their earnings – after housing – on water, energy, broadband and car insurance bills. This compares to 11% for those on middle incomes, with those in the top 10% for income spending just 5%. 

These latest findings come from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), as part of a Citizens Advice led-partnership with IPPR, abrdn Financial Fairness Trust and Policy in Practice looking at social tariffs. 

Their research found single-adult households, and particularly those with children, are more likely than other groups to be spending 20% or more of their post-housing income on these bills, leaving them more exposed to price shocks.

If well-targeted social tariffs and bill support schemes were rolled out across water, energy, broadband and car insurance markets, the IPPR found that could save households hundreds of pounds a year.

For example, if social tariffs reduced these essential bills by 25%, for those in the lowest 10% for income, it could bring in savings of around £13 a week or £680 a year. This would be equivalent to a boost of income (after housing costs) of around a tenth for a typical household in this group.

Sara’s story

Citizens Advice sees the difference social tariffs can make. The charity supported Sara [not her real name], whose disability, medical conditions and her son’s needs make it vital for her to have a phone and internet. 

She said: “Citizens Advice gave me advice on benefits, food banks and utility bills – how to cut down on them with social tariffs for water, phone and broadband. I can’t let go of my phone and the internet.

It’s very important because of my illness. I’ve got a special telecom alarm for when I fall, so I need wifi in the house. It helps a lot.”

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “After years of cost-of-living pressures, households across the country are about to feel the extra shock of rising essential bills. But for those on the lowest incomes, these unavoidable costs are already eating away at their finances, leaving their budgets stretched beyond breaking point.

“Social tariffs could be an effective safety net and put money back in people’s pockets, but the government and providers must work together to make sure nobody struggling to make ends meet misses out.

“We want to see people eligible for bill support automatically enrolled to receive it. This change can’t come soon enough.”

Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at IPPR, said:  “Essential bills are leaving lowest earners with little room to breathe and causing huge anxieties.

“Well-designed social tariffs and bill support – across water, energy, broadband and insurance markets – could save households hundreds of pounds a year and provide a vital lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people across the country.”

Deven Ghelani, Director of Policy in Practice, said: “Leading utility companies are showing the benefits of data-sharing to support auto-enrolment and streamlined assessments.

“The government can take action today that makes straightforward access to social tariffs and bill support the core and expected response from utility companies to customers facing affordability issues.”

Worried this winter? Let’s chat

A new campaign, Worried this winter? Let’s chat, has launched today to raise awareness of the support available to anyone concerned about their energy bills. 

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) worked with five CABs across Scotland to run local focus groups and get to the heart of the issues being experienced across Scottish communities this winter.

From feelings of embarrassment and anxiety to dread and misery, the picture was clear: more needs to be done to support communities worried about the cost of energy this winter.

That’s why CAS is launching this campaign to raise awareness of the free and confidential support CABs can offer anyone concerned about keeping the heating on.

To launch the campaign, CAS worked with Scottish poet Kevin McLean to create a poem based on the experiences of households with energy debt. With a focus on the emotions and feelings experienced, the poem will be used to encourage more people to get advice whether they are currently in debt or struggling to keep up with payments.

This campaign will run from today until the end of February 2025.

Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “As energy costs continue to soar, thousands of people across Scotland are worried about how they can afford to keep their lights on and heat their homes this winter.

“Seeking support on energy debt is one of the most common reasons people walk through their local CAB doors. But taking that step can be daunting. Many are worried and anxious about what can be done and are being forced to self-ration heat, live in cold and dark homes, and skip meals just so they can feed their children. This simply isn’t good enough.

“This campaign is just a small step towards breaking down the barriers to support and highlight the stark reality many people face this winter. If this is you or someone you know, please know the Citizens Advice network is here to help. While we are known for the advice we give, CAS also has a responsibility to raise awareness and advocate for change, and we’ll do all we can to ensure a fairer Scotland for all.”

Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland, Sam Ghibaldan, said: “With ongoing affordability and debt challenges facing consumers, in addition to rising energy bills over the winter, this campaign comes at a crucial time for households across Scotland.

“Consumer Scotland’s research demonstrates that many consumers are continuing to struggle with energy costs, particularly those on low incomes or with high essential energy needs, so it is vital consumers know help and support is available.

“We are pleased to support the Worried this Winter campaign to ensure consumers have access to a range of free and confidential information, including advice on their energy bills and the financial support available.”

The poem can be viewed in the new campaign video here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GlTeGEToU&feature=youtu.be

Watching the meter tick
Second guessing every flick
Of the light switch

It’s no way to live

The pressure to count every penny just right
Scraping by no end in sight
Never truly in control of your life

What do you do?

When the doors you find
Were built to keep you out
When the signs you see
All point to roundabouts

When you have cut every cost you can
Grabbed on to every helping hand
When you’ve worked
And scrapped
And saved
And planned

But the meter still ticks

There is no simple fix
And it takes time to change
The way the system is

But we will work
Each and every day
To help you navigate
Your way to a place
Where peace can exist

Where the ticking of the meter
Isn’t all there is