Half a million older Scots could be suffering from ‘fuel insecurity’, warns study

The Scottish Government is being challenged to provide “more robust and inclusive” help for those struggling to heat their homes, as a paper warned that about 520,000 older Scots may be suffering from “fuel insecurity”.

Academics at Aberdeen University warned there could be a “profound” impact on health inequalities from the problems of food, fuel and financial insecurity.

Dr Aravinda Guntupalli, who led the research, said: “Put plainly, our findings show that international conflicts and global shocks are having direct and serious consequences for Scottish households.

“Cold homes, reduced food intake and persistent money worries are not just economic issues – they are drivers of health inequality.”

Based on data collected for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation by Savanta ComRes in 2023, the study found that fuel insecurity – the inability to heat homes adequately or falling behind on energy bills – affected almost three out of five (58%) of people surveyed.

Meanwhile, 28% were found to be suffering from food insecurity – the inability to access sufficient food – while 22% were struggling with financial insecurity following the cost-of-living crisis, leaving them unable to pay bills, manage unexpected costs and avoid problem debt.

More than one in ten adults (11%) were said to be suffering from all three insecurities at the same time, according to the research.

The paper, published in the European Journal of Public Health, found that lower-income, middle-aged and older adults (those aged between 45 and 74) were “particularly vulnerable to fuel insecurity”.

It added: “Applying prevalence estimates to national population figures suggests that approximately 520,000 older adults in Scotland may be experiencing fuel insecurity.”

The research added that “these developments underscore the need for more robust and inclusive fuel insecurity support in Scotland”, adding that “limiting provision to pensioners alone or older adults on means-tested benefits exclusively would likely have serious public health consequences”.

Dr Guntupalli of the University’s Institute of Applied Health Sciences said the study showed that “the health implications of the cost-of-living crisis are profound”.

She added: “Scotland already faces the lowest life expectancy in the UK and the highest life expectancy inequality in western Europe. Our data suggests that fuel insecurity is likely to carry substantial public health costs.”

With elderly people tending to “under-report financial strain”, she went on: “We estimate that around half a million older adults in Scotland may be experiencing fuel insecurity.

“This is especially concerning given older adults’ greater heating needs due to chronic conditions, reduced mobility and spending more time at home.”

Co-author of the report, Sarah Champagne, said that is showed that “multidimensional poverty is not an abstract concept, it is the lived reality for thousands of people in Scotland”.

She added: “Tackling one insecurity at a time simply isn’t enough. A strategy that understands how these pressures intersect is essential if we are to protect public health and reach those who need support most.”

Second co-author, Professor Euan Phimister, from the Business School at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Stellenbosch, stressed: “Behind every statistic is a household trying to stay warm, eat well and keep up with bills.

“When fuel, food and financial insecurities collide, the impact on health is profound. Our research shows that Scotland must recognise the intersectionality of these insecurities if we are to reach those most at risk and reduce the growing pressure on individuals and the health system.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.