 Many pensioners struggle to stay warm in the winter |
Between 2,000 and 2,500 people in Scotland are likely to die this winter, unless more is done to combat fuel poverty, a charity has warned. Energy Action Scotland said rising fuel prices and predictions of a harsh winter would put thousands at risk.
It is launching a Warm Homes campaign to highlight the impact of inadequate heating on vulnerable groups.
A spokesman said the only solution was for the government to commit more resources to the problem.
According to the charity, fuel poverty affects one in 10 homes in the UK, and the elderly, infirm and young children are most at risk.
Government investment
A Scottish Executive spokesman said the government had invested �220m so far on insulating more than 218,000 homes and putting free central heating systems in 57,000 homes.
Fuel poverty had more than halved in recent years, he said, and ministers had been encouraging energy suppliers to help their most vulnerable customers.
�We would be concerned by any rise in excess winter deaths, but this is a very complex area and there are a number of factors involved," the spokesman added.
"We are working very hard on a number fronts to support elderly and other vulnerable people.
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