Affordable Warmth

The Yorkshire and Humber region is currently experiencing an acute fuel poverty problem. 163,000 (7.7%) of households suffer from fuel poverty in the region and an estimated 123,000 (5.8%) are classified as ‘vulnerable’ households, those that house older people (over 60), younger people (under 16), disabled and long-term sick. This is the second highest level of fuel poverty in England.

A fuel poor household is one that cannot afford to keep adequately warm at reasonable cost. Fuel poverty is a specific measure when, in order to maintain satisfactory heating of 21 degrees Celsius in the living room and 18 degrees Celsius in other rooms, a household needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel. A household that needs to spend more than 20% is considered to be experiencing from severe fuel poverty.

There are many contributory factors to fuel poverty including energy inefficient housing, low income and high fuel prices. Being unable to heat your house sufficiently can lead to ill health and housing disrepair.

Cold, damp homes have a direct effect on the health of, particular, the elderly, young children and those with long-term health problems or a disability. In England it is recorded that there are an average 33700 excess winter deaths due to cold related illnesses, including respiratory disease, stroke and heart attacks. In 2004/05 alone it was recorded that there were 3200 excess winter deaths in this region.

The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy (2001) identifies a number of roles for local and regional organisations in helping achieve UK fuel poverty targets. Within the Regional Housing Strategy, one of its strategic targets mirrors that of the UK’s to ‘End fuel poverty for vulnerable households by 2010, and for all households by 2016’ it compliments this target by also aiming to radically improve all home energy levels.

Regional partners from health, housing and energy efficiency sectors at a regional and local level are working together to tackle this issue. The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly are coordinating and supporting this work at a regional level on behalf of the Regional Housing Board.