Changeworks and SFHA renew partnership to support warmer, more energy efficient homes and tackle fuel poverty
Almost half of social housing tenants are already living in fuel poverty, and Scotland now faces a difficult winter of rising energy costs. To help those most at risk, Changeworks and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) have renewed their partnership for 2026/27, with a focus on supporting social housing providers to deliver affordably warm homes and lower energy bills for their tenants.
The Changeworks and SFHA partnership will build on the previous five years of working together. Changeworks’ experience and expertise will enable more social landlords to deliver warmer, more energy efficient homes, as well as to provide support for their tenants on managing home energy use, tackling high energy bills and resolving debt.
SFHA members will gain access to a variety of services, including expert consulting and project management on energy efficiency projects, as well as targeted energy advice provision and advocacy for social renters. Such services come at a crucial time for people in social housing, who are amongst the most vulnerable when it comes to rising energy prices. A recent survey by Changeworks revealed that last winter, more than 40% of social renters reported staying in bed longer or going to bed earlier because they couldn’t afford to turn on their heating. The survey also found that almost half (47%) are very worried about being able to afford energy bills this coming winter.
Cassandra Dove, SFHA Policy Lead, said:
“Despite ongoing policy and funding uncertainty, social landlords remain committed to improving tenants’ access to affordable warmth. This includes investing in energy efficiency measures and ensuring they can access trusted advice and advocacy when needed.
Collaboration has been at the heart of this effort. Our continued partnership with Changeworks has provided members with valuable support to secure funding opportunities, engage with tenants and deliver retrofit projects that improve homes and enhance quality of life.”
Morag Cockburn, Changeworks’ Business Development Lead, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with SFHA and further the work we’ve already done together over the previous years. Housing associations and their tenants face challenges on many fronts, from struggling to respond to fuel poverty, to rising costs and the transition to net zero. We’re here with the offer of significant expertise, to play our part in ensuring warmer, healthier social housing across Scotland.”