Councils tackle fuel poverty

Yorkshire and Humber has become the first region in the UK to sign up all its local authorities as members of the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action.

A regional deal was struck by the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly on behalf of all the councils, providing free membership of the campaigning organisation. Councils will get a wealth of up to date research to help them develop policies to tackles fuel poverty, discounts on energy awareness training, reduced conference fees and access to expert advice.

National Energy Action (NEA) develops and promotes energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households. They work in partnership with central and local government; with fuel utilities, housing providers and health services; and with consumer organisations. NEA aims to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor or vulnerable.

The Government's UK Fuel Poverty Strategy is aiming to eradicate fuel poverty in the next 10 years through a combination of energy efficiency measures and maximising income. 'Fuel Poverty' is defined as where a household has to spend 10% or more of their income to heat their home to a healthy and acceptable level.

Yorkshire and Humber is the region with the second highest levels of fuel poverty after the North East, with latest figures showing 10.4 per cent of households in Yorkshire and the Humber lived in fuel poverty (based on income and heating costs) in 2003, down from 14.9 per cent in 2001. This compares with the English average of 7.2 per cent.

An Affordable Warmth Action Plan is now being developed for the region in consultation with local councils.

Andrew Cooper, Energy Policy Manager for the Assembly said: “As the first region to fully sign up to National Energy Action we are keen to make full use of the services they offer and to ensure Yorkshire and Humber uses this resource to the full in our policies and programmes to tackle fuel poverty.

“We're hope this will provide practical support to member authorities to help them work towards the objectives of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy and the new Regional Housing Strategy which has placed an increased emphasis on acheiving affordable warmth for householders

* For more details on the scheme contact Andrew Cooper on 01924 331603, e-mail andrew.cooper@yhassembly.gov.uk