Fuel poverty figures are out of date and out of touch with reality
The annual fuel poverty report published by DECC is out of date and out of touch with reality, failing to tell the full story about the UK's current fuel poverty crisis, according to uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
DECC reports that in 2009 there were 5.5 million fuel poor households in the UK - a dramatic 1 million rise on 2008's figures. However, new research from uSwitch.com shows that 24% or 6.3 million households are in fuel poverty today:
Single working parents are the most likely group to be in fuel poverty - 39% of these households are fuel poor
36% of working class households are in fuel poverty, but 15% of middle class households are fuel poor too
Current definition of fuel poverty doesn't take into account housing costs - if rent or mortgage payments are factored in then 22% of middle class and 47% of working class households would be considered fuel poor
Household energy bills have rocketed by £472 or 71% in just over 5 years making affordability and fuel poverty a middle class issue too
Households urged to take control of their energy bills, by paying the lowest possible price for their energy and learning to use less of it.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "DECC's fuel poverty figures are out of date and out of touch with reality. They date back to 2009 whereas in fact 24% or 6.3 million households are living in fuel poverty today. Household energy bills have rocketed by an eye-watering £472 or 71% in just over 5 years. As a result we can now find the fuel poor amongst all walks of life and in all types of households. The sad truth is that consumers are paying a heavy price for this country's disjointed, incoherent and unaffordable energy policy.
"With household energy prices on the rise again, people must start protecting themselves now and there are two key steps in this: pay the lowest possible price for your energy and learn to use less of it by becoming more energy efficient. Many households, especially those on tight budgets, may like the security of a fixed price energy plan. But all households should also look to invest in longer-term energy efficiency measures, such as insulating lofts and cavity walls. Those who would struggle to afford this investment should contact their energy supplier to see whether they would qualify for any energy efficiency grants or financial support. Suppliers have a pot of money available to help customers in this way and those who qualify could see their energy bills substantially reduced as a result."