Published on:
26
September 2011
Clackmannanshire Council held its 3rd annual Fuel Poverty Conference on Thursday 22nd September. The event was well attended with Keith Willcock, the Scottish Government's Policy and Strategy manager, giving the keynote speech on how the Government is attempting to help local authorities tackle fuel poverty. Keith said he was happy to see the community involved in drawing up a new local action plan which will benefit the community and help the Scottish Government in reaching their target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.
Councillor Craig Holden, the Council's Fuel Poverty Champion, was in attendance and said: "The timing of this conference could not be better, as it took place during the week that saw the last of the 'big six' energy firms increase its electricity and gas prices by 4.5% and 15.4% respectively. This announcement is the latest blow for consumers, many of whom are already struggling to pay their energy bills."
Fuel poverty occurs where more than 10% of a household's income is spent on energy bills. In relation to Clackmannanshire, projected Scottish Government data for the district suggests that as many as 20% of homes in the area may now be in fuel poverty.
Energy Action Scotland reported last week that Scottish Government calculations have found that for every 5% increase in fuel prices as many as 46,000 households (2%) are pushed into fuel poverty. Energy Action Scotland believes that around 900,000 - almost 1 in 3 households in Scotland are now fuel poor.
Councillor Holden, added: "The rising upward trend in fuel bills is of great concern and we as a Council need to do as much as possible to prevent the most vulnerable people in our community from becoming victims of these massive rises in fuel costs. The Council continues to place fuel poverty high on its agenda and aims to fulfils its obligations to ensure that people in this community do not suffer adversely from increasing fuel costs and inability to heat their homes."
Members of the community who attended the event welcomed the opportunity to shape a pro-active plan to stamp out fuel poverty in Clackmannanshire.
The Head of Community and Regulatory Services, John Gillespie commented that "the local authority was fully signed up to taking pro-active steps towards reducing fuel poverty and helping those most in need."
If you are in fuel debt or would like advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy contact the Council's Home Energy Strategy Officer on 01259 450000 or email lhs@clacks.gov.uk.