Over 2 million households will be struggling to pay their fuel and heating bills in 2020.
Some 13.2% of households faced heating bills that pushed them below the poverty line last winter which is a rise from 2018. Levels of fuel poverty, measured by people facing high bills and on low incomes, were highest in the private rented sector where more than 21% of households faced an average shortfall of £435 to pay their bills.
Among various kinds of household, the highest prevalence of fuel poverty was for single parents with dependent children, with almost 25% in difficulties.
People living in uninsulated, solid-wall homes and older buildings were more likely to face fuel poverty, while those in newer and well-insulated homes were least likely to be struggling. One of the best ways to reduce fuel bills is to install external wall insulation on uninsulated solid wall properties.
Insulating the home is one tangible way to combat these financial fears and in certain circumstances it can be installed free or be heavily subsidised. Make sure you are not caught out in 2020 just check on this site to see if you are entitled to any assistance. What’s to lose?
In 2019, the average fuel poverty gap between what people could afford to pay and what they needed to heat their homes to a decent level was estimated at £400 a slight increase on the previous year.
Pressure on the household budget is bound to be great this year as energy suppliers warn of further increases to come.
Need some help?
Do check out on site if you are entitled to any assistance towards making your home more environmentally friendly. This in turn will save you and your family a great deal of money each year.