Fuel Poverty

A problem increased by high energy prices

A household in Fuel Poverty is usually defined as one that needs to spend 10% or more of net income on fuel costs.

This can mean that a choice has to be made between adequate heating and other necessities such as food or paying other bills.

It was traditionally the elderly who were most affected by fuel poverty, but much progress has been by both charities and the government to alleviate the problem for most pensioners, through initiatives such as winter fuel payments and assistance with home insulation.

Fuel poverty is now in the increase again, say charities, because of record energy price increases over the last few years, caused by high wholesale energy prices.