Fuel Poverty
Melton Borough Council recognises fuel poverty
is an issue for our communities. We are working in partnership with
the Tenants' Forum (TFEC) to help reduce those people in Fuel
Poverty.
In the UK, fuel poverty is said to occur when
in order to heat your home to an adequate standard of warmth your
household needs to spend more than 10% of your income to maintain
adequate heating.
Causes of fuel poverty
Fuel poverty can be caused by:
- low income, which is often linked to absolute
poverty
- high fuel prices, including the use of
relatively expensive fuel sources e.g. oil and electricity
- poor energy efficiency of a home
e.g. low levels of insulation and old or inefficient heating
systems
- under-occupancy - according to UK government
statistics, on average those in the most extreme fuel poverty live
in larger than average homes
Through partnership work a Fuel Poverty sub
group has been set up and an action plan has been devised
to help people reduce their energy bills through education and
awareness, trialling an oil cooperative, researching a solar
panel project, improving the energy efficiency of properties and
identifying local organisations and partners who can assist
tenants.
Below are links to useful websites which can
help you reduce your energy bills and provide details on how to
reduce fuel poverty.
Energy Saving Trust
Directgov
Leicestershire County Council
Severn Trent Water
Rural
Community Council
Consumer Focus
Office of
Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)
Energy Best Deal
Home Heat
Helpline
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