Given that an estimated 6 million households in the UK are thought to be living in fuel poverty, which equates to about 1 in every 6 homes, the strong likelihood is that you do, whether you recognise it or not.
What is fuel poverty?
When people are struggling to pay bills, they may turn their heating down low or turn it off all together. This can have significant impact on the physical health and mental wellbeing of householders. Living in a cold environment can be dangerous for those with existing health conditions, those who are very young or older people but the impact will be felt by all those living in fuel poverty. A cold home can contribute to the build-up of damp and mould, which can cause or exacerbate health conditions, it can disrupt sleep, affecting individuals performance at work or school, a lack of hot water may reduce personal hygiene or ability to clean clothes which can lead to isolation or poor mental health. Those in fuel poverty may accidentally put themselves at risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide or other toxic gasses by burning rubbish in a fireplace, cooking inside on a BBQ or covering window vents or extractor fans in an attempt to keep the warmth in.
National Energy Action determine fuel poverty as being experienced by any household that uses 10% or more of their income to pay for energy bills. Whether someone is in fuel poverty will depend on three main factors:
- energy efficiency of the home
- household income
- energy prices
Despite the introduction of the energy price guarantee many households are still needing to pay off debt accrued at the height of the energy crisis. Most will see a 9% increase in their annual bill and collective customer energy debt in the UK is currently at it’s highest ever level of £3.7billion. 27th November is NEA’s #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay which aims to raise awareness of this growing issue and campaign for more support for those who need it most.
Learn more about how we’re helping to keep Hampshire and Isle of Wight safe and warm
Action Hampshire are currently delivering free online ‘Safe and Warm’ Energy Awareness workshops, funded by SGN, to VCSE organisations across Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset. These workshops are designed to provide information and upskill our VCSE partners in energy and carbon monoxide awareness to give them the confidence to share what they have learnt with vulnerable members of their communities, especially those who may be experiencing fuel poverty. After the workshop attendees can apply to Action Hampshire for a £500 grant to support them in the delivery of energy awareness messaging to their beneficiaries.
Follow this link to book on to our upcoming workshops.
All attendees will also have access to our online resources toolkit and referral pathways such as signing people up for the Priority Services Register or a free home energy assessment from the National Energy Foundation’s Better Housing, Better service. It aims to reduce the health impacts of cold and damp housing and improve health and wellbeing. The service provides a central helpline which gives impartial expert advice to reduce energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of the home. Some of the services offered are only available to vulnerable residents but anyone seeking advice is encouraged to contact the helpline.
Follow this link to request an assessment through Better Housing Better Health
