The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has responded to the latest fuel poverty statistics released by the Scottish Government.

In a statement, they said "substantial investment" in energy efficiency in homes is now needed to cut fuel bills and provide warm, affordable homes.

The statistics revealed that fuel poverty has increased by 4% across Scotland, with almost 40% of households now said to be in fuel poverty.

The SFHA has said the figure is "unacceptable".

David Stewart, SFHA Policy Manager, said: "These figures show that fuel poverty is at crisis levels in Scotland, and more must be done to provide warm, affordable homes. Too many households cannot afford to heat their homes, and they face a choice between heating their homes or eating this winter.

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"While housing associations and co-operatives lead on energy efficiency in Scotland, with the most energy efficient homes in the country, rising fuel prices mean that more needs to be done to insulate tenants against fuel poverty.

"On the whole, housing associations have invested in measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation and in fitting central heating systems. What now needs to be tackled are the more expensive to treat properties, such as multi-storey buildings that require solid wall insulation, or properties that are off the gas network which would benefit from renewable heating such as biomass boilers or air source heat pumps.

"While there are examples of housing association schemes that tackle these issues, the funding is not available to roll them out nationwide, something which is desperately needed."

He continued: "A recent study found that fuel poverty in the Hebrides runs at 71%, so investment in rural, off-gas areas is vital. With energy prices expected to continue to rise in the coming years, we need to future proof our homes and insulate Scotland from fuel poverty and its negative impact on health.

"We have an opportunity to address the scourge of fuel poverty by prioritising investment in the energy efficiency of Scotland's homes. We know that investing in retrofit schemes cuts fuel bills, helps to address climate change and creates jobs and apprenticeships.

"We are, therefore, calling on the Scottish Government to make investment in the energy efficiency of existing homes a national infrastructure priority."

(JP/IT)