It’s set to be another expensive winter - Angus Robertson

If you haven’t already, I know many will be turning up the heating this week as temperatures plummet.

Recent figures from Warm This Winter campaign show that over half (56 per cent) of people from vulnerable households are worried about being cold this winter. Picture: Adobe Stock

It is set to be another expensive winter for energy bills. Combined with the cost-of-living crisis, we will all be thinking about how to mitigate costs in all areas as far as possible.

Recent figures from Warm This Winter campaign show that over half (56 per cent) of people from vulnerable households are worried about being cold this winter. This rises to 63 per cent among people living in a household where someone is suffering from a pre-existing health condition or is disabled.Regardless of your circumstances, it may be helpful to visit the Home Energy Scotland website, set up by the Scottish Government to provide information about how to heat homes and to distribute or point people towards grants and loans that may be available.

Sadly, this may not be enough for many, however. That’s why the SNP have been calling on the UK government to implement a social tariff to support disabled people through the cost-of-living crisis, alongside the re-introduction of the £400 energy bill rebate. For those in Edinburgh struggling to heat their homes, last year the City of Edinburgh Council set up the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Initiative. On the council’s website, you can find an interactive map showing over 60 warm spaces, such as libraries, museums, churches, and more with information about when they will be open, and any activities on offer.