Glasgow Mum Faces Tough Choice Between Debt and Heating Amid Freezing Conditions
Residents in Partick struggle with high heating costs and poor living conditions as winter sets in
Glasgow, Scotland, Heating Costs, Housing Issues, Mould, Partick Housing Association
Glasgow: Residents in Partick are really feeling the pinch this winter. They’re stuck in a flat block that’s freezing and poorly insulated. It’s been a tough year for many, especially with heating bills skyrocketing.
People living in Fortrose House have been battling mould and cold for over a year now. It all started when the housing association made some changes, like adding cladding and new heating systems. But instead of helping, it just made things worse.
The new heating system was supposed to be more efficient, but it ended up costing residents a fortune. Some even had their flats flooded when the boilers burst. After the Grenfell disaster, the cladding was checked and deemed safe, but it was later found to be dangerous. Now, it’s still not replaced, leaving folks shivering without insulation.
Many residents are forced to stay in bed to keep warm, only turning on the heating for a short time each day. One disabled mum shared her struggle, saying she can’t afford the £600 monthly bill. She only heats her home for an hour when her son is at school, worried about the costs and keeping his medication safe.
She’s not alone. Others are facing similar issues, with some even feeling unsafe due to the scaffolding around the building. It’s been a nightmare, with people climbing it and peering into windows. Residents have reported it multiple times, but nothing seems to change.
There’s also a broken lift that left some elderly residents trapped in their flats for months. It’s a tough situation, and many feel like they’re being ignored. They’re paying high rents but living in conditions that are just unacceptable.
One resident, who works as a nurse, expressed her frustration. She’s spending all her money on heating and rent, feeling the wind blow through her flat. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people struggling like this.
Another resident summed it up well: “No one should live like this in 2025.” The housing association has acknowledged the issues and says they’re working on improvements, but residents are still waiting for real change.