Policy Area 4A. Energy
Summary
Energy costs and efficiency have a direct impact on the ability of both paid and unpaid carers to provide safe and comfortable care. Rising energy prices have placed significant strain on households, particularly for women, unpaid carers and disabled people who are more likely to live in fuel poverty. Access to energy efficiency schemes can reduce costs and improve wellbeing, but delivery is inconsistent and data gaps make it difficult to assess whether support is reaching all who need it.
Scotland has committed significant investment to improving energy efficiency, including a national plan to expand access to schemes and targeted support for households in fuel poverty. While these measures have potential, monitoring and evaluation are limited, and the needs of carers and low-income households are not consistently addressed in policy design.
Indicators in this policy area
Indicator 4A.1. Access to energy efficiency schemes
Energy efficiency schemes are intended to reduce energy costs and improve home comfort, which is essential for both paid and unpaid carers and the people they support. Scotland has a range of schemes, but data gaps make it difficult to understand who benefits. Rising energy costs have placed particular pressure on women, unpaid carers and disabled people, many of whom already experience higher levels of fuel poverty.
View indicator +Key challenges
- High energy costs disproportionately affect women, unpaid carers and disabled people
- Data gaps limit understanding of who is accessing schemes
- Delivery varies across local authorities
- Energy efficiency schemes do not explicitly address unpaid care responsibilities
- Budget transparency and sufficiency remain unclear
- Rural households may face additional barriers to accessing support
Key strengths
- Significant national investment in energy efficiency measures
- Targeting of schemes towards households with high fuel poverty
- Frameworks exist to deliver multiple forms of energy efficiency support
- Potential to improve affordability and support low-income households if delivery improves