Three quarters of Scottish tenant homes are in a state of disrepair, according to an official survey.

The same survey found almost a quarter were estimated to be in fuel poverty in mid 2011.

The Scottish House Condition Survey, released by the Scottish government, found 70% of private rented homes, 59% of owner-occupied homes and 56% of homes rented from housing associations or co-ops were also in a state of disrepair.

33%, of council tenant homes and 37% of private-rented homes were described as being in a state of "extensive" disrepair.

5000 council houses, or 1.5%, are below tolerable living standards.

14,000 private rented homes are below tolerable standards, representing around one in every 20.


Disrepair is less prevalent in newer homes, according to the survey.

57% of post-1982 houses still need work done, however, in comparison to 92% of pre-1919 properties.

81% of private sector housing is in some form of disrepair, compared with 87% in the social sector.

24.6% of all households were estimated to be in fuel poverty at mid-2011.

153,000 households, 6.4%, were estimated to be in extreme fuel poverty.

Between mid 2010 and late 2011, fuel prices rose by about 19%.

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: "This government has allocated over £68m in 2012-13 to energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes to help individuals and families who are in most need of support. We also have in place a cashback voucher scheme offering up to £500 per household for energy efficiency measures such as double glazing and loft and cavity wall insulation, and from today, energy efficient boilers and appliances for private sector landlords.

"Rising energy bills are a huge concern for this government, and fuel poverty is an absolute scandal in an energy rich country like Scotland.

"That is why we are urging the UK government - who has responsibility in this area - to do more to help vulnerable people and ensure that our households are better protected."

(IT)