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40% of Scots are struggling to afford to heat their homes
New research from the grant-giving charity Elizabeth Finn Care reveals that two fifths of people in Scotland are having difficulties covering the cost of heating their homes.

The YouGov/Elizabeth Finn Care study also shows that 39% of Scots living in fuel poverty run the risk of being ill this winter, with 58% of these people saying that heating their homes is the main financial concern over the upcoming months.

In recent years the grant-giving charity, Elizabeth Finn Care has received a large number of applications from people who are unable to heat their home – and the charity is preparing to see this figure increase as the energy prices rise.

Suzanne Kennelly, the Scottish National Officer for Elizabeth Finn Care, said: "These latest findings are extremely worrying. As energy bills increase, we expect that the number of people becoming ill, as a direct result of not having a heated home, will also rise. The fact that people know they will get ill this winter, but are unable to take any action to prevent this, is very concerning".

The survey released today also revealed that people are aware of the structural effects fuel poverty is having on their property. Almost half (45%) of respondents who are having difficulties covering the cost of heating their homes said they have drafts from doors and windows, with 18% of people claiming to have mould on walls and 20% damp fabrics in their homes.

Kennelly continued; "The most cost-effective solution to prevent a family living in a cold and unhealthy environment this winter is to ensure that peoples’ home are as energy efficient as they can be."

Bryan Clover, Director of Casework at Elizabeth Finn Care said; "Support from the Energy Assistance Package is available for those that qualify and we would always recommend people seek out every Government funded entitlement to ensure that they are as well prepared as possible for the cold weather.

"Many organisations, like Elizabeth Finn Care, are able to give grants to make peoples’ homes energy efficient. Insulation and window repairs are simple solutions to ensure that heating does not escape to the outside; and instead keep the occupants warm and healthy this winter".

If you would like more information on how Elizabeth Finn Care could help you, visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk or call 0800 413 220. Alternatively, visit Turn2us – www.turn2us.org.uk – our online service that helps people in financial need access the money available to them, through welfare benefits, grants and other financial help.


For further information or for interviews, please contact:
Kellie Smith. Telephone: 020 7396 6741 or Mobile: 07783 435 746. kellie.smith@elizabethfinn.org.uk 1 Derry Street, London W8 5HY

Notes to Editors:
  • Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that supports people struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes in their circumstances.
  • Elizabeth Finn Care provides one-off and ongoing financial help, tailored to individual circumstances, as well as emotional support through our experienced caseworkers and national volunteer network.
  • People who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care are coping with unexpected changes in their life and the resulting financial hardship, typically due to ill health, disability or marital breakdown.
  • Since mid 2008, we are increasingly helping people who are struggling financially after redundancy.
  • 75% of people who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care have some level of mental health problems.
  • Since Elizabeth Finn Care was founded, we have given £130,000,000 to those in need.
  • Turn2us is part of the Elizabeth Finn Care family.
  • The Turn2us website provides online tools and information to help people search for grants available from 3,300 charitable funds and maximise their income through effective money management.
  • Turn2us also offers a free, confidential telephone helpline that helps people in financial need, intermediaries and grant-giving charities access Turn2us services.


All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1169 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 9th October 2009.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).