Energy Efficient Scotland: equality impact assessment

13. Sex

13.1. Evidence gathered: Information of the gender profiles of Scotland's population, contained in the Scottish Household Survey 2016, shows there to be slightly more females than male, 52% and 48% respectively. Updates show that households headed by women were more likely to be experiencing fuel poverty than those headed by men, although the most recent data suggests that there is little difference in the energy efficiency of dwellings where a woman is the head of the household compared to where the head of the household is a man.

13.2. Fuel poverty is defined as a household that needs to spend more than 10% of its household income on fuel costs. Women make up the majority of those dependent on State Pensions and Pension Credits and also head up a high percentage of single parent families. In light of these facts there is a high risk of living in fuel poverty.

13.3. The proposals aim to provide energy efficiency improvements to all houses below the proposed standard, no matter what the gender makeup of the household. Clear and concise information will be available, as well as help and advice for those who need it, with regard to improvement and financial information.

13.4. Effects/Impacts: The Scottish Government is working with partner agencies to ensure that women benefit equally from the opportunities that the improvements can offer. Information and advice will be readily available on the options for improvement, financial options, the benefits that could be gleaned from these improvements as well as suppliers to carry out the work. We will ensure that this information is available and explained to an understandable level, no matter the gender of the person requesting it.