Fuel Poverty (Target, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Bill and Fuel Poverty Strategy: health impact assessment

3. Purpose of the Health Impact assessment

Fuel poverty exists in both urban and rural areas and the Scottish Government recognises that, no matter where the location, living in cold, damp homes may impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the occupant's quality of life.

Mental wellbeing is measured by the Scottish Government with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale ( WEMWBS), which assesses positive

affect (optimism, cheerfulness, relaxation); satisfying interpersonal relationships and positive functioning (energy, clear thinking, self-acceptance, personal development, mastery and autonomy).

The impact of living in a cold, damp home has no age restrictions and can affect all age groups. This fuel poverty health impact assessment explores those population groups most likely to be identified as living in cold homes and likely to be experiencing fuel poverty, presents evidence on impacts to health and wellbeing and finally how the Fuel Poverty (Target, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Bill and the fuel poverty strategy intends to address these impacts.