MPs urged to help thousands struggling with fuel poverty

18.6% of households in the North West, with over half a million now living in fuel poverty, according to shocking figures released by Consumer Focus.  A coalition of 10 campaigning organisations, including Consumer Focus, is urging local MPs to back a new Bill that would end the scandal of fuel poverty.

The Fuel Poverty Bill provides a huge opportunity to tackle the shameful fuel poverty levels in the North West and the rest of England.  It aims to ‘fuel poverty proof’ homes by making them as energy efficient as a home built today.  This could reduce energy bills by up to 70% and improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions.  It would also ensure that energy firms provide the lowest price deals (social tariffs) for vulnerable households until their homes are ‘fuel poverty proofed’.

The coalition is urging MPs to help lift thousands of their poorest constituents out of fuel poverty by being in Parliament on Friday 20 March and voting for the bill, which will be introduced by David Heath MP.  It is also asking the public to write to their MP to ask them to be there to vote and not in their constituencies on that day. 

Recent meagre energy price cuts have barely put a dent in fuel poverty levels, with around 3.5 million households still struggling to afford to heat their homes in England.  Many of the poorest older people, disabled people, and families are cutting back on their heating or other essentials as a result, which could put their health at risk.  This is particularly worrying as the colder winter this year is likely to lead to a higher number of excess winter deaths. 

If the Fuel Poverty Bill succeeds it could help lift thousands of vulnerable households out of fuel poverty in the North West.  To find out more about the Bill and how to contact their MP, people can visit:- endfuelpoverty.org.uk or call Nancy Platts at Consumer Focus on 020 7799 7989.  Consumer Focus fuel poverty campaigner Jonathan Stearn said:- “The devastating impact of high energy prices on those living in fuel poverty can be ended by making homes much more energy efficient.  However, we need the support of MPs, not just warm words, if they are to help bring thousands of their poorest constituents in from the cold.  By writing to their local MP to ask that they support the bill, people can help to lift millions of the poorest consumers out of fuel poverty and improve the environment for future generations.” 

1.3 million people in the North living in 'health hazard' cold homes

AFTER the coldest weather for 2 decades it has been revealed that around 1 in 10 homes in the North are so poorly insulated they are 'category 1' health hazards, according to new research from the National Housing Federation.  New figures from the National Housing Federation show that around 640,000 homes in the North have such a poor level of energy efficiency that they pose an imminent risk to the health of all those living in them.  This affects around 1.3million people.  This is greater than the combined populations of Bradford, Liverpool and Newcastle-upon-Tyne:-

► In the North East over 110,845 homes are affected (9.55% of homes)

► In the North West over 305,000 homes are affected (9.9% of homes)

► In Yorkshire and Humberside over 223,000 homes are affected (9.92% of homes)

The problem of cold and draughty homes is thought to affect up to 4.5 million people nationally.  The Federation, which represents England's housing associations, is calling on ministers to slash VAT on energy efficient products like double glazing, loft insulation and eco-friendly boilers, to help address the crisis.

The Federation found just over 2.21 million homes scored a Standard Assessment Protocol (SAP); the official energy efficiency rating system; of below 35, which are classified by the Government as a category 1 health hazard.  These properties are likely to have little insulation or draft prevention and will often be excessively cold, increasing the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes.  Virtually all of the hazardous properties, 93% are in the private sector.  Homes in the social rented sector tend to boast much higher energy efficient standards.   Derek Long, National Housing Federation, Head of North said:- "The numbers of homes posing an imminent threat to those who live in them is truly staggering and action is urgently required to make these homes more energy efficient.  A properly insulated home is a basic necessity.  Additionally they mean lower fuel bills and benefit the environment.  Housing associations across the North have set a high standard for greener housing.  But too many households are being left in the cold."