Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)

Geography

36. Geography, crofting culture, climate and the sparse population of island and rural communities present different challenges to those experienced by living in the mainland, often resulting in higher levels of fuel poverty in these areas. Citizens Advice Scotland^[8] have specifically identified issues regarding being off the gas grid as key barriers for people in accessible rural, remote rural and remote small towns.

37. A number of persistent and related challenges make life in Scotland’s rural and island communities more difficult, particularly in terms of accessing services, availability and affordability of housing, heightened by house price rises and second home ownership, higher reliance on cars, rising living costs, rising poverty and fuel poverty.^[9]

38. The colder climate and wind chill factor on the islands means that for many residents, homes may have heating on throughout the whole year. Research has shown the majority of pensioners tend to have a relatively low income, but also low housing costs as they own their home.^[10] Pensioner poverty is a growing issue in Scotland. 53% of participants in a recent Independent Age study revealed their current income negatively impacts their quality of life.^[11]

39. The Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040^[12] strategy sets out an ambition for everyone to have a safe, good quality and affordable home that meets their needs in the place they want to be. This includes rural and island areas.

40. The introduction of PAWHP will ensure that older people in island communities who are in receipt of relevant benefits will continue to receive support towards meeting their fuel costs and therefore will be better able to maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes throughout the winter.