Fuel poverty can best be tackled by boosting energy efficiency in homes.

That's according to two Scottish Government reports published today.

Findings from the Fuel Poverty Evidence Review state that approximately 658,000 households in Scotland are fuel poor - the result of rising fuel prices, an ageing population, and a growing number of single person homes.

The report suggests that this figure could be cut if more households take measures to improve their energy efficiency rating.

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According to a second report - Energy Use in the Home - 62,000 homes benefited from loft insulation, 25,000 had cavity wall insulation installed and over 54,000 were referred for new central heating systems and insulation under the Scottish Government’s Home Insulation and Universal Home Insulation Schemes between 2009/10 and 2011/12.

Households can save from between £175 per year by installing loft insulation, and up to £280 per year if cavity wall insulation is carried out too.

Infrastructure secretary Alex Neil called on the UK government to make energy companies cut their prices, and pledged to keep lobbying on the issue.

He said: "Scotland is an energy rich nation and no-one should have to choose between heating and eating.

"The Scottish Government has a raft of measures in place to support families most in need, and has allocated a £65 million budget to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in 2012/13."

(NE)