Evidence Review Regarding Scotland’s Fuel Poverty Definition

CAG Consultants was commissioned by the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Fuel Poverty Forum (FPF), to undertake an extensive review of the evidence in relation to the assumptions underpinning the definition of fuel poverty in Scotland.

In particular, the review considered:

  • whether the adopted heating regimes continue to be appropriate
  • the definition of vulnerability
  • the definition and treatment of under-occupancy
  • the definition of household income and the potential for identifying an upper income threshold

In this complex field, drawing on the available literature and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, the review drew some clear conclusions about potential changes to the definition in Scotland but also highlighted significant gaps and uncertainties in the evidence base.

The report is available through this link.