A new report published today by the Institute of Health Equity titled: "Fuel Poverty, Cold Homes, and Health Inequalities" has predicted serious health, social and educational issues for families and individuals if the predicted forecast of 55% of UK households fall into fuel poverty by 2023 without immediate intervention.
A household is classed as being in fuel poverty if they are on a low income and face high costs of keeping adequately warm. Fuel poverty is driven by three main factors: household income, the current cost of energy and the energy efficiency of a home. The report highlights the fact that Disabled households are at particular risk of extreme fuel poverty due to low income, a higher dependency of energy use due to essential equipment usage and because of longer periods spent living within the household.
The report shows the fact that the main causes of fuel poverty are the cost of fuel, a decline in household incomes, the covid-19 pandemic (which saw a decrease in average earnings) and the fact that older homes are less energy efficient due to a lack insufficient insulation. Fuel poverty, according to the published dispatch, shows that the groups most likely to suffer impacted health issues are older adults, children, and those living with chronic illness and disability.
Also mentioned are the recent measures of financial support offered by the Government and their effectiveness in helping people (especially those with a disability) combat the energy crisis. The chancellor previously announced that those on means-tested benefits would receive an additional £650, while those who claim a disability benefit would receive £150. The reports analysis concludes that "This support is not adequate to cover the increasing costs, nor does it effectively target those living in low-income households. The support offered has not matched the increasing rate of inflation, which is affecting the poorest the hardest."
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of UCL Institute of Health Equity, warns that "fuel poverty has a damaging and significant consequence for health, with thousands losing their lives unnecessarily and health inequalities widening, making the government's attempt to 'level up' even harder to achieve." Sir Michael added: "The government needs to act, and act right now. It's clear we are facing a significant humanitarian crisis with thousands losing their lives and millions of children's development blighted, leading to inequalities that will last a lifetime."
Dan White policy and campaigns officer at DR UK and one of the leads at the Disability Poverty Campaign Group said: "Reading this report should be enough to finally shock Government and public health bodies into doing something immediately. The thorough work by the Institute of Health Equity is not an easy read but shows the reality of life as we head into the winter months and what action should be taken to save lives. The Government are currently invisible and need to step up and focus on what has the potential to be a humanitarian catastrophe here in the UK for Disabled people without immediate drastic action."
The full report can be read on our website.