Fuel poverty in Scotland

Introduction

In this first unit, you will be hearing and reading about the issues faced by people living in poverty in Britain in 2000. This is intended to give you an understanding of what poverty is like from the perspective of the people themselves, both in terms of the experience of living on a very low income, and some of the effects this has had on their lives. One of the biggest problems facing people living on a very low income is how to afford adequate heating.

A particular aspect of poverty and social exclusion featured in this unit is the struggle to keep warm. It is a struggle that many people all over the UK face, especially in Scotland where the audio clips were recorded. The winters in Scotland can be particularly severe, and winter deaths are disproportionately high when compared with other parts of the UK. A low income combined with poor housing can easily drive people into debt, as well as ill health. In the audio clips, you will hear from people who have experienced fuel poverty, and from people who are trying to ameliorate and eradicate fuel poverty in Scotland.

The audio clips were recorded in 2000.

Participants in the audio clips:

• Helen Robinson is the presenter;

• Angela Yih is a member of Age Concern, Scotland;

• Jacqueline Carlin works in a community advice centre in Dundee;

• Ian Treanor is an energy advisor working for SCARF (Save cash and reduce fuel) and works in conjunction with Dundee City council;

• Thomas, Florence, Doreen and Elizabeth all live in Scotland;

• Colin Gibson is a member of Scottish Power.

This unit is from our archive and it is an adapted extract from Care, welfare and community (K202) which is no longer in presentation. If you wish to study formally at The Open University, you may wish to explore the courses we offer in this curriculum area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .