Fuel poverty now affecting 4.5 million people
www.moneynews.co.uk > General finance > Fuel poverty now affecting 4.5 million people
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Money News |
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Fuel poverty now affecting 4.5 million people
Fri 7th Mar 2008
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Energy prices have risen by 15 per cent this year, it found, plunging an extra 500,000 people into fuel poverty.
Of the people surveyed, over a quarter had been forced to cut back on heating or make savings elsewhere, one in ten could not afford heating and 44 per cent were more concerned about heating bills this winter than last.
Although there are schemes in place to help the elderly and vulnerable with energy bills, uSwitch says they do not go far enough.
The winter fuel allowance provided by the government only covers 19.5 per cent of a pensioner's annual energy bill today, compared to 34.5 per cent four years ago, while suppliers have less than 400,000 people on their social tariffs, which are supposed to offer lower prices.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "If the Government is truly committed to breaking the stranglehold of fuel poverty in this country then it needs to work with the industry and regulator … Any measures introduced need to be long-term, sustainable and easy for the fuel poor to access."
Industry watchdog Energywatch revealed yesterday that the UK's six main energy firms are charging pre-pay meter users - generally pensioners and poorer households - an average of £255 a year more than online customers.
Related News : General finance |
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