Dundee ‘most fuel poor city’ in whole of UK

NEWLY-RELEASED statistics claiming Dundee is the most “fuel poor” city in the United Kingdom have been branded “shocking”.

According to research, more than one in four people across the city are struggling to heat their homes.

An investigation by MoneySuperMarket.com shows 28% of Dundonians do not have the disposable income to pay for adequate heating.

Elizabeth Kane of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum, who sat on the city’s Fairness Commission, said it was time serious action was taken to combat the issue.

She said: “It’s shocking really. It affects older people, but also the working poor who are working all week then can’t afford to turn their gas or electricity on.

“Foodbanks are now handing out fuel cards. There shouldn’t be any need for foodbanks and now they are having to hand out fuel cards.”

Councillor Laurie Bidwell, who also worked on the Fairness Commission, said: “If these figures are accurate then I’m disappointed for the city and for all those residents living in fuel poverty.”

Dundee City Council insists a number of initiatives have been deployed to tackle fuel poverty.

A spokesman said: “The Dundee Energy Efficiency Advice Project (DEEAP) is helping to tackle this by improving energy efficiency by giving advice, improving loft and cavity wall insulation and accessing free or low-cost white goods; increasing income by maximising benefit entitlement, renegotiating payments with fuel companies, and providing money advice in relation to fuel bills.

“Positive action is also being taken in Dundee to lower bills by improving internal and external insulation in social housing.

“So far this is reducing fuel consumption bills by up to 40%.”

Laurie Bidwell