Families suffer fuel poverty

Figures released this week show tens of thousands of families in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are living in ‘cold homes’.

The shock revelation comes just a few months after we revealed a third of local families were living in fuel poverty.

West Whitlawburn Housing Co- operative, following consultation with it’s tenants and members, has decided to freeze rents, fuel costs and communications costs (for Whitcomm customers) for the forthcoming year.

Paul Farrell, the director of the Housing Co-operative said: “We are acutely aware of the very difficult economic circumstances most of our tenants and members are facing at this time.

“The levels of hardship and poverty we are witnessing are severe. Our aim is to provide the highest possible quality of housing, energy and ancillary services at a rent which people can afford.

Susan Anderson, chairperson of WWHC, added: “Hopefully our tenants will appreciate we are doing our utmost to help those in greatest need.

“By skilful financial planning and cost control we do not need to raise rents, fuel charges or Whitcomm communication charges this year.”