Tighean Innse Gall thanks Outer Hebrides communities for responding to their Affordable Warmth Report survey
Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) published the Affordable Warmth at Home in the Western Isles Report in June 2024, after receiving substantial responses to their local survey about fuel poverty. A survey was issued to every household in the Outer Hebrides, and one in six homes responded.
The findings highlighted the significant financial burden of heating costs placed on households in the region, with many potentially compromising their wellbeing and quality of life due to heating expenses being unmanageably high.
Despite allocating over 10% of their income to heating costs, an estimated 44% of respondents reported not being sufficiently warm in their homes, and 22% were only ‘somewhat satisfied’. This alarming discovery underscores that a considerable proportion of individuals, despite allocating substantial resources, were unable to achieve a satisfactory level of comfort.
TIG is using the survey findings and the Affordable Warmth Report to underpin their work engaging with local and Scottish Government, aiming to draw down further funding to support homes. The team will continue to advocate for island homes, ensuring that the correct policies are put in place to protect households.
As an expression of gratitude, TIG have announced three prize winners who were picked at random from the 2,044 survey responders. The winners, Elaine Mackenzie , Gail Robertson and Joanne MacDonald, received Co-op vouchers up to £100.
Kirsty MacLeod, Energy Advice Manager, said: “Our Affordable Warmth Report wouldn’t have been possible without the substantial responses that we got from homes throughout the Outer Hebrides. We are extremely thankful to everyone that responded, because it is helping us to raise the issue of fuel poverty in our communities. The data that we now have is invaluable, because it’s undeniable proof that we can use as the basis for our work with politicians, charities, energy providers, and other important stakeholders.”
Left: First prize winner Elaine Mackenzie with Kirsty Macleod, TIG Energy Advice Manager
Centre: Second prize winner Gail Robertson with Theresa MacDonald, TIG Fuel Poverty Project Officer
Right: Third Prize winner Joanne MacDonald with Kirsty Macleod, TIG Energy Advice Manager