SFHA Calls on UK Government to Safeguard Tenants Amid Looming Energy Bill Increases

With energy bills expected to climb once further this winter, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is urging the UK Government to increase its efforts to safeguard tenants.

According to Ofgem’s announcement on Friday, the energy price cap would rise by 10%, resulting in an average yearly bill of £1,717, an increase of £149 over the current usual cost.

The UK’s housing federations, including SFHA, pushed the new administration to implement a social tariff—a discounted energy rate—for low-income homes before to the July General Election.

They are also demanding the establishment of a Cost-of-Living Fund in lieu of the defunct Fuel Insecurity and Winter Hardship payments ahead of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government in September. This is in response to an SFHA study that revealed 95% of social renters had difficulty paying for food and energy.

“As we look towards winter, housing associations across Scotland will continue to do everything they can to help tenants heat their homes,” stated Carolyn Lochhead, director of external affairs at SFHA. But because they are overworked and overextended, our members can’t accomplish this on their own.

With today’s statement, it is even more crucial that the Scottish and UK governments make sure that individuals don’t experience months of financial struggle during which they are unable to provide for their families’ needs, including warmth. It is now necessary to implement a social tariff in addition to providing immediate financial assistance to those who require it most.