Warm Homes Discount

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has responded to the UK Government’s announcement today on the extension of the Warm Homes Discount (WHD).  

CAS Energy spokesperson Molly Shevlin said, 

“For yet another winter thousands of people across Scotland are either going without heat or being forced into unsustainable debt just to keep warm. That’s unacceptable, and it’s happening because our energy market is broken and needs radical reform. 

“Every day our advisers in local CABs and our Extra Help Unit see people who are really struggling, so the extension of the WHD is welcome. However, by itself it isn’t anywhere near enough to address the scale of the problems people are facing right now.  

“What we urgently need is a series of bold and targeted measures that will actually make energy affordable for people, like a social tariff on energy bills to bring prices down for those most in need and a robust, compassionate energy debt write-off scheme.  

“So, we again call on governments, regulators and the energy companies to deliver solutions to match the scale of the problem and give people the long-term support and stability that they need.” 

Notes 

Last month CAS published new survey evidence as part of its Worried This Winter campaign, which aims to put a spotlight on the devastating impact of fuel poverty.  

The figures showed that: 

• 33% of people in Scotland say their biggest financial concern this winter is their energy bills.
• 78% have cut back on some level of their expenses in the past year due to rising energy costs, with 24% limiting hot water usage such as bathing less regularly or sharing bathing water in an attempt to save energy in the last year.
• 59% have been wearing extra layers or using blankets rather than turning on the central heating in an attempt to stay warm in the last year.
• 28% have chosen not to switch on lights in their home when it is dark in an attempt to save energy.
• 36% say the cost of living and energy price have limited their ability to enjoy life, with 17% reporting they have lost sleep and 28% that it has affected their mental health. 

ENDS 

Polling Methodology 

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1064 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th - 8th December 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scotland adults (aged 18+).