Introduction

A particular aspect of poverty and social exclusion featured in this course is the struggle to keep warm. It is a struggle that many people all over the UK face, especially in Scotland where the audio clips were recorded. The winters in Scotland can be particularly severe, and winter deaths are disproportionately high when compared with other parts of the UK. A low income combined with poor housing can easily drive people into debt, as well as ill-health. In the audio clips, you will hear from people who have experienced fuel poverty, and from people who are trying to ameliorate and eradicate fuel poverty in Scotland. The audio clips were recorded in 2000. Participants in the audio clips:

• Helen Robinson is the presenter;
• Angela Yih is a member of Age Concern, Scotland;
• Jacqueline Carlin works in a community advice center in Dundee;
• Ian Treanor is an energy advisor working for SCARF (Save cash and reduce fuel) and works in conjunction with Dundee City council;
• Thomas, Florence, Doreen, and Elizabeth all live in Scotland;
• Colin Gibson is a member of Scottish Power.

One of the biggest problems facing people living on a very low income is how to afford adequate heating.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Give examples of poverty in terms of low income and the effects it has on the lives of the poor.