Over 2 million adults in Scotland are estimated to have cut back on household spending because of energy costs, new analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland has found.
Analysis by the charity of polling by YouGov found that 48% of adults in Scotland, equivalent of 2.2 million people, have cut back as the cost of living crisis deepens.
The charity is running Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people worried about energy bills and the cost of living to seek advice.
People can get advice in variety of ways, either from a local Citizens Advice Bureau or through various online platforms. People can visit www.cas.org.uk/BESW to find out more.
The network unlocked over £132 million for people last year through things like social security payments and employment entitlements. The average gain of for clients who saw a financial benefit was over £4,200.
Previous analysis released by the charity found 38% of adults in Scotland, the equivalent of 1.7 million were worried about paying energy bills or adequately heating their homes, with 62%, an estimated 2.8 million worried about the cost of living more broadly.
Data from across the Citizens Advice network has previously found that 1 in 10 energy cases also require food insecurity advice.
CAS Social Justice spokesperson David Hilferty said:
“The soaring cost of living driven by energy prices is leaving people worried, anxious and increasingly having to cut back on other areas of household spending to afford the essentials.
“Our message to people in this situation is that you are not alone, and support is out there. Our network provides free, impartial and confidential advice for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.
“It can be understandable that some people may feel help isn’t available to them, but the CAB network is for everyone, whether you are working or not, renting or a homeowner, a pensioner or a student.
“People who saw a financial benefit after seeking advice last year were on average over £4,200 better off. Think of the difference that money could make to you this winter and check www.cas.org.uk/besw to get started.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 14th November 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scotland adults (aged 18+).
|
CCB_2. To what extent, if at all, have you/ your household had to cut back on household spending because of energy costs? |
|
Population estimate |
|
Unweighted base |
1002 |
|
|
Base: All Scotland adults |
1002 |
4,603,116 |
|
A great deal |
11% |
506342 |
|
A fair amount |
37% |
1,703,152 |
|
Not very much |
35% |
|
|
Not at all |
10% |
|
|
Don't know |
3% |
|
|
Prefer not to say |
2% |
|
|
Net: Cut back |
48% |
2,209, 495 |
|
Net: Not cut back |
46% |
|
Scotland’s adult population in 2021 was 84% of 5479900 so 4,603,116
Source: Figure 5 at https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/population-estimates/mid-21/mid-year-pop-est-21-report.pdf
48% of 4603116 is 2,209,495