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19/10/2011
Fuel Poverty Leads To 3,000 Deaths - Report
A Government report has found that almost 3,000 people die each year in England and Wales because of fuel poverty.
The news comes as fuel prices come under continuing scrutiny following an Ofgem report on Monday and the revelation that their relative increase since last year prompted a jump in inflation.
The report by Professor John Hills said that if only a tenth of "excess winter deaths" were due to fuel poverty, that meant 2,700 people were dying each year in England and Wales because of it.
Professor Hills has reported that households in or on the margins of poverty faced extra costs to keep warm as those in poorer housing paid more for inefficient heating systems and less insulated homes.
Professor Hills said: "The evidence presented in my interim report shows how serious the problem of fuel poverty is, increasing health risks and hardship for millions of people, and hampering urgent action to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
"This review confirms that the way in which the problem is currently described in law is correct: people are affected by fuel poverty if they are ‘living on a lower income in a home which cannot be kept warm at reasonable cost ‘.
The news comes as David Cameron promised the Government will work 'harder and faster' to bring down energy bills.
In a joint article with the Energy Secretary for moneysavingexpert.com, the Prime Minister explained: "We can't control volatile world energy prices. But we can still help people get their bills down. So today we are bringing together the industry, consumer groups and Ofgem for an energy summit that will focus on getting people the help they need to reduce their bills in time for this winter."
David Cameron said he would be working with Ofgem to reform the energy market by encouraging customers to switch suppliers and by ensuring transparency over the cheapest tariffs.
Mr Cameron also said the Government would be giving the most vulnerable households free or heavily subsidised insulation immediately, delivered by the energy companies.
The Government would also begin paying a £120 rebate to more than 600,000 of our most vulnerable pensioners and maintain the winter fuel payment and cold weather payments.
(DW/CD)
The news comes as fuel prices come under continuing scrutiny following an Ofgem report on Monday and the revelation that their relative increase since last year prompted a jump in inflation.
The report by Professor John Hills said that if only a tenth of "excess winter deaths" were due to fuel poverty, that meant 2,700 people were dying each year in England and Wales because of it.
Professor Hills has reported that households in or on the margins of poverty faced extra costs to keep warm as those in poorer housing paid more for inefficient heating systems and less insulated homes.
Professor Hills said: "The evidence presented in my interim report shows how serious the problem of fuel poverty is, increasing health risks and hardship for millions of people, and hampering urgent action to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
"This review confirms that the way in which the problem is currently described in law is correct: people are affected by fuel poverty if they are ‘living on a lower income in a home which cannot be kept warm at reasonable cost ‘.
The news comes as David Cameron promised the Government will work 'harder and faster' to bring down energy bills.
In a joint article with the Energy Secretary for moneysavingexpert.com, the Prime Minister explained: "We can't control volatile world energy prices. But we can still help people get their bills down. So today we are bringing together the industry, consumer groups and Ofgem for an energy summit that will focus on getting people the help they need to reduce their bills in time for this winter."
David Cameron said he would be working with Ofgem to reform the energy market by encouraging customers to switch suppliers and by ensuring transparency over the cheapest tariffs.
Mr Cameron also said the Government would be giving the most vulnerable households free or heavily subsidised insulation immediately, delivered by the energy companies.
The Government would also begin paying a £120 rebate to more than 600,000 of our most vulnerable pensioners and maintain the winter fuel payment and cold weather payments.
(DW/CD)
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EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
02 June 2008
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
24 April 2008
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
02 December 2011
Wales Worst Affected By UK Fuel Poverty
According to research by uSwitch Welsh households are the worst affected by fuel poverty with almost one third of households suffering. Research detailing the regions in the UK most affected by fuel poverty has shown widespread regional differences in the number of households affected.
Wales Worst Affected By UK Fuel Poverty
According to research by uSwitch Welsh households are the worst affected by fuel poverty with almost one third of households suffering. Research detailing the regions in the UK most affected by fuel poverty has shown widespread regional differences in the number of households affected.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
