What is it, who does it affect and how to deal with it
Fuel poverty affected over five million UK households in 2008 - but how many of us know exactly what it is?
With gas and electricity prices continuing to fluctuate and the cost of the recession taking its toll, don't suffer fuel poverty this winter. Our guide will help you figure out how best to deal with fuel poverty so you keep warm during the chilly months.
What is fuel poverty?
Fuel poverty is when a household spends more than 10% of its income on gas and electricity bills. It's thought to be on the increase as a result of a combination of low household income, high energy costs and inadequate insulation and heating systems.
The Government believes all houses should be ‘satisfactorily warm', or 21 degrees in the main living area and 18 degrees in other occupied rooms. But if keeping it warm means you can't afford your bills, you may be living in fuel poverty.
For more information, take a look at Don't Get Left Out In the Cold - Insulate Your Home with Confused.com.
Who does it affect?
Fuel poverty is a particular risk to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, the disabled and the terminally ill.
Are you eligible for social tariffs?
If you receive benefits such as pension credit, council tax benefit, child tax benefit, disability living allowance or income-based jobseeker's allowance, you could be eligible for grants to insulate your home for free, to help you tackle fuel poverty.
There are also grants and services available to people who are disabled, over 60, or bringing up a young family, to help them cope during winter.
Gas and electricity providers have also established certain social energy tariffs, which offer discounted fuel prices to vulnerable groups and those living in fuel poverty. These vary from provider to provider in both cost and eligibility criteria. For more information, have a read of Are Social Energy Tariffs the Solution to Fuel Poverty?
Are you eligible?
The best way to find out what grants and services are available to you is by contacting the Government's Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
Even if you're not eligible for any grants or discounts, the helpline will still be able to give you some tips and ideas on how to stay warm and reduce your fuel bills this winter.
The Government has vowed to eradicate fuel poverty among vulnerable groups by 2010 and in all of England and Wales by 2016. But that doesn't mean you can't cut your fuel bills today. Always compare gas and electricity providers.
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