Four in 10 cannot afford to heat homes properly, survey finds

More than four in 10 Scots cannot heat their home to comfortable levels because of financial concerns, a survey has found.

Research for Government agency Consumer Scotland found 68% of Scots are reducing their heating use or avoiding the use of certain electrical appliances.

Some 37% said they are cutting back on spending on food and 46% are reducing spending on shopping.

YouGov surveyed more than 1,500 members of a research panel resident in Scotland during late September and early October.

It found 43% said they could not heat their homes to comfortable levels.

Consumer Scotland was set up in April to help protect consumers.

Chief executive Sam Ghibaldan said: “Our analysis shows people’s financial situation in Scotland was already tough and is getting worse.

“Some groups in Scotland are finding it particularly difficult to afford their energy bills.

“The proportion of people who do not think they will be able to afford to heat their home to a comfortable level during the current crisis is concerning given this research was undertaken before the start of the winter.

“The findings show a majority of consumers are taking action, such as rationing energy use and cutting back on other areas of essential expenditure.

“At the same time, there are low levels of awareness of financial support available and increasing numbers of consumers are finding it difficult to contact their energy supplier.”