Fuel poverty occurs when a household is unable to afford sufficient energy for health and comfort, commonly due to the combined effect of low household income, inadequate and expensive forms of heating and thermally inefficient housing.
The commonly applied definition of a fuel-poor household is a household that needs to spend over 10% of its income on fuel to heat their home properly.
The link between ill health and fuel poverty has been clearly established. There is considerable evidence that a cold indoor environment increases the likelihood of ill health. Respiratory illness (e.g. influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis), heart attacks and strokes are exacerbated by the cold. In addition, cold damp conditions in homes can promote the growth of fungi and house dust mites, which have been linked with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
We are committed to helping our residents achieve affordable warmth by highlighting grants and discount schemes and offering advice on energy efficiency.
Further information about the schemes that are available to help with the installation of energy efficiency measures is available here.
Contacts
Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre for London
Telephone: 0800 512012
E-mail: advice@est-london.org.uk
Website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/london