New approaches to tackling fuel poverty in Scotland

“Everyone involved in tackling fuel poverty needs to dig even deeper to wipe out this unnecessary hardship,” says a spokesman for Changeworks, the environmental charity which is organising this month’s Fuel Poverty Conference in Edinburgh.

The event on 23 September 2015 is designed to bring together policy makers, service managers and frontline practitioners to share best practice, rethink current approaches to fuel poverty and identify opportunities and improvements for the future.

Speakers include Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare, David Sigsworth, Chair of Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, Di Alexander, Chair of the new Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force, Ross Armstrong, Transition Manager for Warmworks Scotland and Amanda Britain, Lead for Housing, Joint Improvement Team.

A person is deemed to be living in fuel poverty if they need to spend more than 10 per cent of their household income on fuel, to heat their home to a satisfactory standard.

Teresa Bray, Changeworks Chief Executive, said: “With 39% of Scottish households living in fuel poverty it is clear that the statutory target to eradicate fuel poverty by November 2016 will not be achieved. Too many people are still living in fuel poverty in Scotland. A new action plan is required.

“Changeworks has spent over 20 years working with the Scottish Government, local authorities and other partners to address fuel poverty. While many of these initiatives are helping to improve people’s lives, save money and reduce energy use – more needs to be done.

“Bringing together policy makers and practitioners is the only way to ensure any new action plan is built on the latest ideas and experience proven to make the most difference.”

The conference will take place 9am-4.30pm, Wednesday 23 September 2015, at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls, 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AY. Cost £50 per delegate.

Book or download the agenda through Eventbrite  or telephone Changeworks on 0131 55 4010.

Submitted by Heather Walker