Fuel Poverty

February 15th is National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.

Fuel poverty is defined by the UK Government as '... a household whose fuel requirements are above the national average and if they were trying to reach those requirements, their leftover income would sit them below the the national poverty line.'

Fuel poverty is caused by 3 factors; fuel prices, household income and energy efficiency.

In 2016 2.5 million households were unable to pay the costs associated with heating the home. Single parent families were the highest (25%) followed by couples with children (15%) lone people under 60 (10%) and over 60's couples (9%). The payment 'gap' between the bills fuel poor households faced and what they could afford was £326 on average. More than one person households are among the most severely affected with a gap of £413 compared with single-person households average gap of £208. Also 10% of those who are fuel poor were found to be in households with unemployment.

FPEER (Fuel Poverty Energy Efficiency Ratings) measure the energy efficiency of a property whilst factoring in policies affecting energy prices giving a score out of 100 and turning that in to a rating from A-G (G being lowest and least efficient). Over 50% of fuel poor households are in Band D. Band G are 3 times more likely to be fuel poor with the payment 'gap' coming in at £1482 - compared with £185 for Band B households.

According to research by National Energy Action / E3G, more than 17,000 people 'needlessly' died in 2017-2018 in the UK because they cannot afford to heat their homes.

The UK Government is driving £6 billion into energy efficiency upgrades (ECO3 - energy company obligation and schemes like NEST in Wales) and the Warm Home Discount so more energy suppliers cover 2 million low income families by taking £140 off their bills. People born before November 5th 1953 are also eligible for the Winter fuel payments scheme of between £100-300. Individuals on certain benefits are eligible for £25 for every period of 7 days where the temperature is below zero Celsius. It is sensible advice to compare deals with energy suppliers to check that you are on the best deal.

The total number of people in fuel poverty steadily reduced under Labour (2009-2012) but increased 9% in the 4 years after the Tories took back power.

Energy Saving Trust: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk / 0300 1231234 for energy saving advice.