This winter is going to be tough for everyone, but particularly for those in fuel poverty. Fuel poverty is caused by a combination of low income, high energy costs and inefficient housing. Households in fuel poverty typically have other vulnerabilities such as old age, young children, ill-health and disability. This fuel poverty awareness day we want to raise awareness of the situation locally and support available for those struggling to keep warm or pay for electricity and gas.
Based on the latest BEIS and PHE statistics an estimated 10,964 Southampton households, 39,915 Hampshire households and 9,859 Portsmouth households are living in fuel poverty and there are approx. 89 Southampton, 512 Hampshire and 95 Portsmouth excess winter deaths.
Public Health England and National Energy Action (NEA) have been highlighting the impact that Covid-19 will have on fuel poverty and the increased risk from living in a cold home, for example:
If you need advice and support with keeping warm and affording your heating cost, please get in touch with our teams:
Other support available locally: