Fuel and housing issues 'pose human rights threat'

Fuel poverty and a lack of affordable homes pose threats to the human rights of people living in the Highlands, islands and Argyll and Bute, a watchdog has warned.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) said there were a number of concerning challenges faced by communities outside the central belt in its report in March, and that more information was needed.

It has launched an investigation into the effects of energy and housing costs, and also problems people might be having in accessing health care.

It is gathering evidence from local charities, MSPs and MPs.

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Over the next month, meetings will be held in places including Lerwick, Kirkwall, Thurso, Elgin, Stornoway, Portree and Dunoon.

SHRC is to present a report on its findings to the Scottish Parliament next year.

Project lead Luis Yanes said: "The commission has been concerned over some time about not having sufficient information what specific issues people in the Highlands and islands face in relation to economic, social and cultural rights."

He said fuel poverty could have a number of impacts, including on how much people spent on food and even discourage people from inviting visitors to their homes.

Executive director Jan Savage added: “We have been approached by members of communities in the Highlands and islands who are concerned about lack of affordable housing, high levels of food insecurity and difficulties in accessing medical services in rural areas.

“As part of our monitoring role on human rights, we will be investigating this situation further and establishing if public authorities are doing enough to provide essential services and support for people in rural areas to access their economic, social and cultural rights.”

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In April, environmental charity Changeworks said it had found fuel poverty to be disproportionately high in rural Scotland.

It said higher fuel costs, poorly insulated homes and low household incomes were among the factors.

The Communities Housing Trust is among charities that have raised concerns about shortages of affordable homes, including in Wester Ross in the Highlands.