Nearly four out five homes in Scotland are in need of repair, with one in four households in fuel poverty, according to official data. Minsters have pledged to tackle the problems with a "series of initiatives".
Nearly four out five homes in Scotland are in need of repair, with one in four households in fuel poverty, according to official data.
The Scottish House Condition Survey 2007, published by Scotland's chief statistician, found 79% of homes should have some work done, with 49% of these in urgent need.
Minsters pledged to tackle the problems with a "series of initiatives".
Graeme Brown, director of charity Shelter Scotland, said the report was a "wake-up call". He said: "The report shows that for many of our citizens Victorian levels of housing hardship persist. It beggars belief that over half-a-million households face the indignity of fuel poverty."
Elizabeth Leighton, of environmental group WWF Scotland, called for urgent action and greater investment to tackle fuel poverty, saying it "is unacceptable in our modern society".
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has called for the UK and Scottish governments to work together to introduce measures to help housing associations improve their stock.
David Stewart, policy and strategy, manager at the SFHA, said there has been a slight improvement in the condition of the housing stock overall.
"Housing associations work extremely hard on the energy efficiency of their stock," he said. "However, we would like to see the UK government reducing VAT on repairs and maintenance associations have to pay - which local authorities do not. This would mean budgets stretch further.
"We would also like to see encouragement for green energy and insulation schemes across Scotland and an end to the different tariffs imposed on prepayment meters by power companies. The Scottish Government's upcoming consultation on how to reduce the carbon emissions of existing buildings should provide a framework in which to achieve a more energy-efficient housing stock."
The number of households struggling to pay for heating rose by 26,000 from 2006 to 2007. The steady upward trend in the number assessed as fuel poor shows no sign of slowing. The figure has been rising since 2002, when 13% of households were thought to be in fuel poverty.
A total of 569,000 Scots households were estimated to be in fuel poverty in 2007, with 163,000 of these deemed to be in extreme fuel poverty. This compares to 543,000 households in 2006.
The Scottish Government claims it is committed to eradicating fuel poverty by 2016. It defines fuel poverty as a household having to spend 10% of its income on fuel.
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell promised to push ahead with initiatives to help. He said: "While these figures show we are making progress in energy efficiency, the number of households living in fuel poverty continues to make for sober reading."
He pointed out that Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon had this month announced an energy assistance package. It includes advice on tariffs and efficiency improvements for those struggling to heat their homes and pay energy bills.
Mr Maxwell said: "Beginning next April, this will improve on the existing fuel poverty programmes by reaching more people."
Housing facts
- 79% of homes needed some repairs in 2007.
- 74% of homes failed on central heating.
- 11% of homes had condensation in at least one room.
- 5% of homes had rising or penetrating damp.
