Seven million households live in fuel poverty, charity warns

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Health

More than seven million households in the UK are currently estimated to be living in fuel poverty, a leading energy charity reveals.  

National Energy Action explains that around 1.5 million more households cannot afford to properly heat their homes than at the same time last year - despite the Government's pledge to eradicate all fuel poverty by 2016.

Households are considered in fuel poverty when they have to spend more than a tenth of their income on energy bills. It is usually caused by a combination of low incomes, high energy prices and energy-inefficient housing.

The charity warns that because they worry about their rising bills, many people ration their heating use to such an extent that it has a serious impact on their health.

It says around 25,000 more people die over the winter months compared to the rest of the year with pensioners, long-term sick and young children most at risk.

As temperatures plummet, the charity launches its Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, urging all households struggling with their bills to stop “suffering in silence” and seek help “immediately”.

It says that Warm Front, the insulation scheme of the previous government – due to come to a close soon – is still open to applicants. They can benefit from funding for simple insulation measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation to bigger measures, such as a new central heating system.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The cold weather we’re experiencing at the moment reminds everyone how important it is to have a warm home so I’m urging anyone who’s eligible for a Warm Front grant to pick up the phone.

“Getting a new boiler, fixing an old one, or even just topping up loft insulation can lead to a warmer home in the future.”

Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs at National Energy Action, said: “Our key message for Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is don’t suffer in silence. 

“Improving the energy efficiency of housing can make a huge difference to energy bills.  Anyone who is eligible for Cold Weather Payments and owns their own home or rents privately can claim the Warm Front grant, please apply as a matter of urgency.”