Urgent measures must be taken now to protect households at risk
People are said to be experiencing fuel poverty when they cannot afford to heat their home to a reasonable temperature. Before the pandemic, over 13% of all households in England (3.2 million households) were living in fuel poverty, according to government figures.1 Rates in Wales and Northern Ireland were 12% and 18%, respectively, but Scotland’s rates were even higher at 25%. Families with children made up nearly half of fuel poor households.
Evidence strongly suggests that growing up and living in cold homes and poor housing have a direct and detrimental effect on health.2 For older people, living in cold temperatures increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Respiratory diseases, including flu, are more common, as are falls, injuries, and hypothermia.3 Children growing up in cold, damp, and mouldy homes with inadequate ventilation have higher than average rates of respiratory infections and asthma, chronic i
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