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Citation

Anderson HK, Duthie AB, McDougall CW, Quilliam RS & Price H (2025) The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on water poverty in Scotland: A lived-experience analysis. Utilities Policy, 96, Art. No.: 101983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2025.101983

Abstract
During the ongoing ‘cost-of-living (CoL) crisis’, households have faced increased household expenses, including water bills, which will hinder efforts towards tackling water poverty. Using a quota-based online panel survey (n = 726), we aimed to quantify the impact of the CoL crisis on water poverty in Scotland. Using lived experience rather than the typical income-based approach, we found that age and household income were significant predictors of water poverty, with younger respondents being more likely to struggle, contrary to conventional wisdom. We argue for the involvement of people with lived experience, government financial support and better targeting of that support.

Keywords
Water poverty; Affordability; Lived experience

Journal
Utilities Policy: Volume 96

• The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on water poverty in Scotland: A lived-experience analysis