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Fuel poverty

More than 5000 households across North Somerset currently live in fuel poverty.

This is defined as the need to spend more than 10% of household income on fuel to achieve a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Electricity and gas prices have risen by 44% and 63% respectively since 2003 while the latest round of price rises will see bills approaching £1000 becoming the norm for millions of households.

There are many more deaths during the winter months from cold-related illnesses caused by living in cold, damp and poorly-heated homes.

This problem affect mainly poor and vulnerable households such as Disabled people, families with young children, older people and the chronically ill.

We are currently working to identify these households within the district and have developed an Affordable Warmth Action Plan to address fuel poverty issues.

Affordable warmth means improving the heating and insulation in a home to help reduce the number of fuel poor households.

The Government is committed to ending fuel poverty in England for vulnerable groups by 2010 and all households by 2016.

Please look out for the following tell-tale signs which could indicate there is a problem with a friend, relative or neighbour keeping their home warm:

  • Their home feels cold or draughty
  • Their home smells of damp
  • There is no visible form of heating
  • There is only one heated room
  • There are pools of water on the window sills
  • If you have any concerns about a friend, relative or neighbour please contact our Home Energy Efficiency Officer on 01934 426686.

The North Somerset Affordable Warmth Partnership brings together local agencies including North Somerset Council, Avon Fire and Rescue, Pension Services, Somerset Age Concern, North Somerset Care and Repair and others to identify those who are living in cold homes and struggling with fuel costs.  Regular Safe and Warm events take place across the district where members of the public can obtain use ful information and advice about the services within the Partnership.  Briefing sessions on Fuel Poverty and Home Energy Efficiency are provided to members to raise awareness of issues when making home visits.  A referral mechanism is in place for referrals between agencies.

For more information contact our Home Energy Efficiency Officer.