Updated levels of fuel poverty predictions
Following publication of Cornwall Insight’s latest predictions for the energy price cap, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition predicts the levels of fuel poverty will hit the following heights (based on the UK Government’s own definition of fuel poverty):
– 9.2m UK households from 1 Oct (this takes into account the Govt support promised for all households) – 28.4% of households.
– 10.5m UK households from 1 Jan – 32.6% of households
This is up from 4.6m UK households which we estimate spent last winter in fuel poverty (14.1%).
These numbers will be updated again after Ofgem confirms the price cap on 26 August.
Simon Francis, Co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition commented:
“A tsunami of fuel poverty will hit the country this winter and these latest estimates further demonstrate that the level of support already promised by the government is just a drop in the ocean.
“It’s welcome that Rishi Sunak has finally acknowledged this and has pledged more support for the most vulnerable if he becomes Prime Minister. Liz Truss must now wake up and realise that her plans for tax cuts will not keep people warm this winter.
“Only a full programme of emergency financial support, a rapid expansion of energy efficiency programmes and a commitment to bringing more cheap renewable energy on stream will help people stay warm this winter and into the future.
“We would urge both candidates to reply to the letter sent to them by fuel poverty campaigners on 14 July setting out the vital action they need to commit to.”
The letter can be read here:
