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24/04/2008
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.
As ministers and energy industry leaders prepare for a major summit hosted by Ofgem today, new figures show that the average energy bill has tipped the vast majority of single pensioners and lone-parent families entitled to basic state benefits into fuel poverty.
The coalition is demanding urgent action from the summit to help almost one in five UK households - an estimated 4.5 million - living in fuel poverty.
A household is defined as fuel poor when it spends more than 10% of its income on fuel costs. The new figures published show that rocketing energy prices have pushed large swathes of the poorest and most vulnerable households into fuel poverty.
With 600,000 households pushed into fuel poverty by this year's price hikes alone, the coalition warns that the recent announcement that 100,000 households will be helped by energy suppliers putting an extra £225 million into social assistance schemes, will barely scratch the surface of the fuel poverty crisis. And, with ministers admitting that the Government's 2010 fuel poverty target will not be met, the coalition is warning that it must urgently come up with a new strategy backed by a radical package of measures.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "The Government must really switch-on to ending fuel poverty. The figures show that it is failing miserably to help the poorest and most vulnerable pensioners and families affected. The action taken so far is nowhere near enough to help those pushed into fuel poverty this year, let alone in the future."
Paul Dornan, Head of Policy for Child Poverty Action Group, said: "The poorest families are already struggling to stay out of debt and are often forced to pay much higher than average rates for fuel through pre-payment meters. We need swift government action to protect poor children from fuel poverty, or families will be plunged into debt and left with unacceptable spending choices, like whether their child has a warm coat, a warm home, or a hot dinner."
With the energy companies warning that energy prices are set to rise again pushing more and more households into fuel poverty, the coalition is calling on the Government to take bold and decisive action to fulfil its commitment to end fuel poverty.
(CD/JM)
As ministers and energy industry leaders prepare for a major summit hosted by Ofgem today, new figures show that the average energy bill has tipped the vast majority of single pensioners and lone-parent families entitled to basic state benefits into fuel poverty.
The coalition is demanding urgent action from the summit to help almost one in five UK households - an estimated 4.5 million - living in fuel poverty.
A household is defined as fuel poor when it spends more than 10% of its income on fuel costs. The new figures published show that rocketing energy prices have pushed large swathes of the poorest and most vulnerable households into fuel poverty.
With 600,000 households pushed into fuel poverty by this year's price hikes alone, the coalition warns that the recent announcement that 100,000 households will be helped by energy suppliers putting an extra £225 million into social assistance schemes, will barely scratch the surface of the fuel poverty crisis. And, with ministers admitting that the Government's 2010 fuel poverty target will not be met, the coalition is warning that it must urgently come up with a new strategy backed by a radical package of measures.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "The Government must really switch-on to ending fuel poverty. The figures show that it is failing miserably to help the poorest and most vulnerable pensioners and families affected. The action taken so far is nowhere near enough to help those pushed into fuel poverty this year, let alone in the future."
Paul Dornan, Head of Policy for Child Poverty Action Group, said: "The poorest families are already struggling to stay out of debt and are often forced to pay much higher than average rates for fuel through pre-payment meters. We need swift government action to protect poor children from fuel poverty, or families will be plunged into debt and left with unacceptable spending choices, like whether their child has a warm coat, a warm home, or a hot dinner."
With the energy companies warning that energy prices are set to rise again pushing more and more households into fuel poverty, the coalition is calling on the Government to take bold and decisive action to fulfil its commitment to end fuel poverty.
(CD/JM)
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12 November 2012
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
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.
07 September 2005
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
24 June 2005
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
