What is fuel poverty?
Fuel poverty results from being unable to heat a home within reasonable cost to an acceptable standard.
Households in fuel poverty spend 10% or more of their income on maintaining an ambient temperature in the main living area of at least 21oC and in the other main accommodation at least 18oC. Fuel poverty arises from the combination of low incomes, poorly insulated housing and expensive to run or inadequate heating systems.
Who is most vulnerable to fuel poverty?
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable, these include older people, particularly those living on their own, lone parents, disabled people and families where adult members are either unemployed or working on a low income.
Why is it a problem?
Fuel poverty has damaging effects on quality of life and health. Issues such as influenza, heart disease and strokes are all exacerbated by cold.
How are we tackling fuel poverty?
As tackling fuel poverty is a complicated process, we have developed an affordable warmth strategy to ensure training and advice is implemented to educate the vulnerable community and key workers on fuel poverty and energy efficiency awareness.
Are any grants available?
Staff in the Eco Hut stay abreast of external grants which are available to save energy and therefore contribute to providing affordable warmth. There are a number of opportunities available:
Warm Front – is a government funded scheme, which provides grants to make homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.
If you need any further information on any of these schemes please contact the Eco Hut on 01925 657763.