Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) is calling on politicians to take urgent action to tackle rising fuel poverty, support independent living and create a fairer future for communities across the Outer Hebrides.
The community-based organisation has launched a new manifesto setting out four key areas where action is needed to ensure every household has access to a warm, affordable home, people can live independently for longer, and community-led housing continues to thrive across the islands.
The manifesto calls for policymakers to:
- Commit to long-term, ring-fenced funding for fuel poverty support
- Increase support for housing aids and adaptations
- Strengthen investment in community-led housing and development
- Champion fair energy pricing for rural off-gas communities
The Outer Hebrides continues to face some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK, driven by high energy costs, extreme weather conditions, rural isolation and ageing housing stock. TIG warns that without sustained investment, more households could be pushed into crisis-level hardship, leading to poorer health outcomes and increasing pressure on health and social care services.
The challenge is highlighted in TIG’s Affordable Warmth at Homes in the Western Isles report, published in June 2024, which found that 32% of respondents frequently or consistently reduced or turned off their heating to save money. The report also found that 80% of respondents were spending more than 10% of their income heating their homes, while 88% of island and rural dwellings were not connected to the gas grid, leaving many households reliant on more expensive fuels such as electricity and heating oil.
Donna Smith, Chief Executive of Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) said:
“The Outer Hebrides faces unique challenges when it comes to housing and energy costs. High fuel prices, older homes and our island geography mean many households are facing impossible choices.
“We know the difference that trusted, local support can make, but sustained investment is needed to deliver the long-term solutions our communities need.
“Our vision is of an Outer Hebrides where every household can live in a warm, affordable home, where people are supported to remain independent, and where sustainable community-led housing helps our islands thrive. We are asking policymakers to work with us to make that vision a reality.”
The full manifesto can be read here.
Notes to Editors
Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) is a community-based organisation working across the Western Isles to support people to rent, buy, and live in comfortable, affordable homes; promote independent and sustainable living solutions; and address fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
Services include Care & Repair, Housing & Community Development, and the Energy Advice Service (TEAS).
For further press information, please contact:
Rosie Benny
Account Executive
Orbit Communications
Rachel Goddard
Account Director
Orbit Communications
Telephone: 0131 603 8996