Since energy prices surged in 2022, many people in Fife have found it difficult to afford heating, especially during colder months. This has affected their health, wellbeing, and ability to manage daily costs. Working closely with the Fuel Bank Foundation and Cosy Kingdom, Fife Council has been able to provide both emergency help and long-term support to people across Fife. This work supports Fife’s wider goals to reduce poverty, improve health, cut carbon emissions, and make public services more joined up.

During 2024/25, key partners involved managed to deliver a wide range of support. Over 2,700 crisis fuel vouchers were given to more than 1,100 households. Financial help was provided to 770 tenants living in low energy-efficient homes, 474 households affected by damp and mould, and 516 households in temporary accommodation. In addition, 179 households struggling with fuel debt received targeted support. More than 1,200 energy advice sessions were delivered, and 555 homes had energy-saving improvements installed. Support also extended to 37 low-income homeowners who received help with boiler repairs or replacements.

To build long-term capacity, 298 frontline workers were trained to spot signs of fuel poverty and make referrals, while 434 were trained to provide basic energy advice.

This joined-up approach is helping people across Fife stay warm, safe, and supported. Looking ahead to 2025/26, the Council plans to build on this work by using data to target support in high-risk areas, piloting home sensors to detect early signs of fuel poverty, expanding help for households using alternative fuels, and continuing to train frontline workers to offer energy advice.