Challenge Poverty Week 2023
This week is Challenge Poverty Week. Simply keeping warm in winter is a challenge for many people in Fife, who are already struggling to afford increasing and expensive fuel bills.
The cost of living crisis is making these problems more prevalent and more of us are finding our energy bills a worry than ever before.
Around 24% of households in Fife were classed as living in fuel poverty in 2021, spending more than 10% of their annual income trying to heat their homes. This can mean choosing between cooking hot meals and heating their homes. With energy bills having doubled since last year, this number is expected to be around 37% this year.
Most people would be unlikely to identify themselves as being in fuel poverty, they’re more likely to think:
- I can’t pay my gas bill / top up my meter
- I can’t afford to turn on the heating
- My home is always damp or cold
- I’m always ill
The causes for these can be complex, however fuel poverty can be due to:
- Low income
- High fuel costs
- Energy inefficient homes
What help is available for people who are struggling?
Households may be entitled to receive the Warm Home Discount. This is a scheme where you can apply for a £150 rebate on your energy bills to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. Suppliers are starting to open applications this year.
There’s lots of support to help with the energy crisis why not take a look at our energy guides on the following topics:
Guides on saving energy at home
If you’re worried about heating your home this winter, paying your bills or improving the energy efficiency of your property we’d urge you to get in touch.
How Cosy Kingdom can help
We offer free and impartial energy advice to anyone living in Fife. This can be a telephone advice appointment, or a home visit.
We’ve also got a range of advice videos available on our YouTube channel, you can find them all here.
Get Advice
If you live in Fife, Cosy Kingdom is here to help. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisors can advise anyone living in the kingdom, regardless of whether you own your home, rent from the council, privately or from a housing association. We can help you find solutions to help you manage your fuel costs and stay warm at home.
Book a call back by getting in touch via our online booking form. You can also call the office directly on 01592 807930.