Millions of people across Scotland are worried and anxious about energy bills and the cost of living this winter, new analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland has found.
Analysis from the charity of polling from YouGov has found that, as a result of public discussions about rising energy costs:
- 38% of adults in Scotland, an estimated 1.7 million, feel anxious or worried about being able to pay their energy bills
- The same amount are anxious or worried about adequately heating their home
- 62%, an estimated 2.8 million people, are anxious or worried about the cost of living overall, not just energy bills
Analysis of CAS data published earlier this month shows that 1 in 10 energy cases the CAB network deals with also require food insecurity advice.
The charity is today (Monday 28 November) launching Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people worried about energy bills and the cost of living to seek advice.
People can get advice in a number of ways, including one to one advice from their local CAB, or a range of online options including the interactive self-help tool Money Map, the Money Talk Team service or the public advice site. CAS is encouraging people to visit www.cas.org.uk/besw to find out more.
Last year across the CAB network unlocked £132million for people, with average gain for clients who saw one being over £4,200.
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said:
“People are understandably really worried this winter about energy bills and the cost of living. That is why the Citizens Advice network is running Big Energy Saving Winter.
“We are here for anyone who feels scared, alone or worried about bills this winter. It is easy to think there is no help out there for you, but CAB advisers get real results - on average over £4,200 for those who saw a financial gain. That can be life changing money for people and this winter it could be life saving money for people.
“The CAB network is for everyone – whether you are working or not, own your home or rent, retired or a student. We don’t judge peoples circumstances, we just want to help.
“Our advice is free, impartial and confidential. In this cost of living crisis, it costs nothing to check our advice, so people should visit www.cas.org.uk/besw to find out more.”
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison MSP said:
"We are very concerned about the hardship people are facing right now particularly with their energy bills. This is why we're providing almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1 billion in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.
"Through our funding for the Money Talk Team service, people can get free and confidential advice on boosting income, accessing benefits, and dealing with debt. I would urge anyone struggling with their finances to seek advice. The Money Talk Team is available across the length and breadth of Scotland, with advice accessible online and in all Citizens Advice Bureaux.”
Consumer Scotland Chief Executive Sam Ghibaldan said:
“With the current cost of living crisis and ongoing concern about rising energy bills, this campaign comes at a crucial time for households throughout Scotland.
“Our own research shows many consumers are struggling to afford their bills even before the onset of winter, so it is important consumers know help and support is available.
“We are pleased to support this campaign to ensure consumers have access to a range of information, including advice on their energy bills and financial support.”
Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland said:
“We know this winter will be a difficult one for Scottish households with the energy and cost of living crisis. The good news is that financial support is available and there are simple actions we can take at home that will add up to help better manage energy use.”
“Home Energy Scotland is the only way to access grants and financial support available from the Scottish Government to make homes warmer and more energy efficient – from interest-free loans to Warmer Homes Scotland funding, which has helped over 29,000 people on lower incomes benefit from energy saving home improvements worth on average £5,000.”
“Improving the energy efficiency of your home can make a big difference to energy bills now and in the future. Home Energy Scotland advisors can help you discover how to stay warm and comfortable and manage your energy use. Visit our website at homeenergyscotland.org to see how we can help, or give us a call free on 0808 808 2282.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Big Energy Saving Winter launches on 28 November and runs through to the end of January. For those posting online copy of this story we would be grateful if you could link to www.cas.org.uk/BESW
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 14th November 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scotland adults (aged 18+).
|
Thinking about the publicity in recent months around rising energy bills costs, their impact and related support...Which, if any, of the following apply to you as a result of this publicity? (Please select all that apply) |
|
Population estimate |
|
Unweighted base |
1002 |
|
|
Base: All Scottish adults |
1002 |
4,603,116 |
|
I've felt worried/anxious about being able to pay my energy bills |
38% |
1,749,184 |
|
I've felt worried/anxious about adequately heating my home |
38% |
1,749,184 |
|
I've felt worried/anxious about the cost of everything, not just energy bills |
62% |
2,853,931 |
|
Don't know |
3% |
|
|
Not applicable - I haven't felt worried/ anxious as a result of publicity around rising energy bills costs |
20% |
|
|
Prefer not to say |
3% |
|
Population estimate is CAS analysis based on Scotland’s adult population in 2021 being 84% of 5,479,900 so 4,603, 116.
Source: Figure 5 at https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/population-estimates/mid-21/mid-year-pop-est-21-report.pdf
People can get help from the campaign in a variety of ways, including:
The Money Map tool which directs users to online help finding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living.
People can access free support online from our public advice site, including information about grants and benefits to help you pay energy bills.
The Money Talk Team at your local Citizens Advice Bureau helps you maximise your income, look at options to reduce costs and offers specialist debt advice. To find out more, visit the Money Talk Team website here.
The Citizens Advice Scotland Council Tax tool tells people quickly if they are entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption.
For those thinking of claiming Universal Credit for the first time, Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone (0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you're looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim.
People can find their local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confidential and impartial advice. An adviser will be able to talk through your situation and work out the next steps. Find your local bureau and get in touch today.
People can also call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for help with your home energy this winter.