Caledonia increases investment and partnership working to tackle fuel poverty

As part of its ‘Best at Basics’ approach, CHA has established a new internal Reactive Repairs team which includes skilled, experienced maintenance officers focused on preventing and tackling damp and mould, working with contractors to enhance day-to-day repairs, and helping ensure tenants live in warm, safe and energy-efficient homes. 

The specialist team works closely with CHA’s Asset Team, frontline housing colleagues and customer service staff to provide faster, more coordinated responses to emerging issues that can contribute to higher energy costs and poor home health.

Julie Watson, head of investment and sustainability at CHA, said: “Fuel poverty isn’t just about energy prices, it’s about the condition of the home.  Our new team of maintenance officers strengthens our ability to respond quickly, reduce risks like damp and mould, and ensure tenants can feel confident their home is well-maintained.

“This is a key part of our wider commitment to improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel poverty, and supporting tenants through the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.”

Alongside the new specialist team, CHA has continued to invest in targeted support for tenants by extending its partnerships with energy charity Scarf and financial wellbeing platform Lightning Reach into 2026. These partnerships provide access to expert energy-saving advice, practical support, and grants.

In 2024-2025, the partnerships have delivered:

• £163,599 in energy cost savings for tenants in 2024-25 through Scarf’s energy-saving guidance
• 1,024 energy-saving items supplied to tenants by Scarf - including radiator reflectors, draught excluders, and low-energy lightbulbs
• More than 300 tenants have benefited from the Lighting Reach service, accessing £9,750 in vital funds and unlocking a further £18,900 in previously unclaimed entitlements.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive at CHA, said: “As households across Scotland continue to face the pressures of rising energy costs, we are committed to strengthening the support available to our tenants. By growing and expanding our partnerships and introducing a dedicated maintenance team, we can provide practical, timely help that protects tenants’ wellbeing and financial resilience. This joined-up approach ensures we can target support where it is needed most.”