In a bid to reduce fuel poverty and ensure occupants are comfortable in their own homes, the community-led housing association based in greater Easterhouse, has distributed funds donated by Easterhouse Housing and Regeneration Alliance (EHRA), to 23 households over the last four weeks.

Fuel poverty is a problem throughout Scotland and has unfortunately been magnified by the current Covid-19 pandemic, which has left many in the difficult position of being unable to sufficiently heat their home.

The £1,000 grant awarded to WHA by EHRA has so far benefited 31 households living in housing association properties.

Benefactors of the grant include 22 family households within the Wellhouse community, additionally, one shielding couple and eight couples have also received funding to help combat fuel poverty this winter.

Recipients of the funding have self-referred to WHA’s Income Advice Officer who has ensured the most vulnerable residents receive the financial aid needed.

Darron Brown, chair of Wellhouse Housing Association, said: “Restrictions throughout the pandemic have meant people spending unprecedented amounts of time in their houses, which has led to a rise in utility costs such as heating. Unfortunately, this extra cost has put pressure on many of our residents who have found themselves in the difficult position of being unable to heat their homes.

“As a community-led organisation we are committed to delivering support to our residents when they need it, and as the cold weather continues, this heating grant has been crucial in meeting this basic requirement. It is during challenging times like this when it is most important for us to be there for our residents, so we’d like to thank EHRA for the funding which has made this possible.”