The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF) has reacted with profound alarm to Ofgem’s announcement of a 13% increase to the energy price gap, warning that the move will have devastating consequences for older people already trapped in fuel poverty.
Effective from July 1st, 2026, the cap will see average annual dual fuel bills surge by £221, rising from £1641 to £1862. This steep summer increase hits at a time when households traditionally expect to build up credit ahead of the colder months, compounding a broader cost-of-living crisis that continues to push vulnerable groups below the poverty line.
Across Scotland, tens of thousands of pensioners are already living in relative poverty. Older people on fixed incomes face a daily battle against rising costs that simply do not stretch to cover essentials. The reality of fuel poverty means that many are routinely forced to ration their energy use, sacrificing their health and well-being in the process. This latest rise will inevitably widen the poverty gap and trap thousands more Scottish pensioners in inescapable debt.
Responding to the announcement, the Chair of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum issued a stark warning to both the Scottish and UK Governments regarding the immediate risk this price hike presents to all vulnerable groups.
David Edwards, Chairperson of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, commented:
“We are witnessing a deeply distressing situation where standard living costs are completely out of reach for a vast number of our older citizens. It is unacceptable that in a modern society, our older population must endure the constant anxiety of failing health just to keep the lights on. We call on the government to take action appropriate to the needs of those living in poverty; otherwise, with fuel prices set to increase again in the coming year, the poor will need to choose between heating or eating again, to the nation’s shame.”
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum is reiterating its calls for immediate, structural interventions to protect older people and all low-income citizens. Rather than waiting for the winter crisis to take hold, the SPF argues that targeted cost-of-living support must be established now to cushion the blow of this summer price hike. Without direct government intervention, the most vulnerable will be left completely exposed to a bleak and dangerous financial future.
Scottish Pensioners’ Forum.
