The Committee on Fuel Poverty’s 2023 Annual Report sheds light on the pressing issue of fuel poverty in England and the government’s progress in addressing it. The report underscores the significance of improving the targeting of payments and implementing targeted energy efficiency programs to achieve the government’s milestones and fuel poverty reduction targets.
Urgent Upgrading Required: Meeting the Milestones
The report emphasizes that urgent upgrading is necessary for the 704,000 properties in England rated E, F, and G. Failure to upgrade these properties will result in missing the second 2025 milestone, thereby impacting the government’s ambitious 2030 fuel poverty target.
Local Authorities and Regional Mayors: A Strategic Role
To combat fuel poverty effectively, the report advocates for clear strategic roles for local authorities and regional mayors. These roles should focus on building capacity in regions with a high percentage of fuel-poor households. By encouraging greater action and delivery across all areas, these entities can play a vital role in addressing the challenges of fuel poverty.
Assessment of Turbulent Periods
The report provides an independent assessment of a turbulent period marked by the end of the pandemic and the 2022 energy price surge triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It also evaluates the unprecedented financial support schemes introduced by the government to assist households with their bills and cost of living.
Fuel Poverty Strategy: Review and Update
Highlighting the importance of the government’s decision to review and update the fuel poverty strategy, the report emphasizes the urgency to take action. It presents five main recommendations accompanied by a series of 19 “must-do” actions, aimed at enhancing efforts to reduce fuel poverty.
Chair’s Perspective: Rt Hon Caroline Flint
Rt Hon Caroline Flint, the Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, emphasizes the criticality of increasing energy efficiency work to benefit fuel-poor households. She notes that missing the 2020 Fuel Poverty milestone and time running out for the 2025 milestone requires immediate action. Flint stresses the impact of fuel poverty on low-income households, especially in light of the pandemic, energy price shocks, and the government’s commitment to reaching net zero.
A Shared Mission for Tackling Fuel Poverty
The report underscores that addressing fuel poverty requires a collaborative effort among the government, local government, and the NHS. It highlights that fuel poverty extends beyond hardship for 3.2 million households, as cold homes contribute to physical and mental health issues, imposing burdens on the NHS, local government, and charitable organizations.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
