The new figures revealed a small fall in fuel poverty rates between 2016 and 2017, with a drop from 26.5% (649,000 households) to 24.9% (613,000 households). In 2017, 7.0% (174,000 households) were living in extreme fuel poverty compared with 7.5% (183,000 households) the previous year.

However, fuel poverty rates increased among households that use fuels other than mains gas. Those households using oil as the primary heating fuel saw the greatest increase in fuel poverty rates: 40% of these households are estimated to be in fuel poverty, compared to 26% in 2016. This follows a 24% increase in liquid fuel prices between 2016 and 2017 and is similar to estimated rates in 2014 when prices were even higher.

The statistics on fuel poverty, energy efficiency, the condition of housing, the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and other key descriptors of the occupied housing stock provide the first release of information from the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) for the year January to December 2017.

While the results show overall fuel poverty remaining at similar levels from the previous year, the Scottish Government insisted that changes are evident in the following subgroups:

The survey found that no real change to the 63% of fuel poor households who are also income poor, defined as having incomes above the poverty threshold (£313 per week before housing costs for a couple without children).

Fuel poor households are more likely to report difficulties staying warm in winter. 22% of them say that their heating keeps them warm in winter “only sometimes” (15%) or “never” 6%), compared to 18% of all other households. The proportion for Scotland as a whole, 19%, is similar to 2016 rates. 7% of fuel poor households report that they cannot afford to heat their home, higher than the 4% of non-fuel poor households.

Citizens Advice Scotland’s energy spokesman, Craig Salter, said the statistics show that Scotland still faces “a great challenge” in eradicating fuel poverty.

He added: “It is evident that more radical action is needed to bring down prices and make energy more affordable.

“While the slight reduction in fuel poverty among those using mains gas is welcome, it is important to recognise the significant price hikes from suppliers since 2017.”

Addressing some of the detail of the figures, Mr Salter said: “Fuel poverty has increased among households that rely on electricity, oil or other fuels for heating, amid significant price increases from suppliers. Electric heating is already extremely expensive. Our research shows that people using electric heating are more likely to be on a low income and require specialised support.

“Meanwhile the number of oil heating users in fuel poverty increased from 26 to 40% over the period, and oil prices continue to rise. This confirms what our research found earlier this year – that fuel prices and fuel poverty rates are highly volatile for this group.

“The Scottish Government’s Fuel Poverty Bill and new Fuel Poverty Strategy are positive steps forward, but these statistics show us that all of the drivers of fuel poverty tackled. With rising energy prices offsetting improvements in energy efficiency, the focus must also include reducing the price of energy and improving how energy is used. CAS will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that the Bill reflects the needs and experiences of Scottish Households, and to ensure that the new Fuel Poverty Strategy includes robust measures to eradicate fuel poverty once and for all.”

The survey shows that the long-term trend in the energy efficiency of the housing stock continues to improve:

Levels of disrepair, and other housing quality indicators remain stable at 2016 levels: