Fuel Poverty in England Hits a Dead End
New data shows fuel poverty in England has stalled after nearly a decade of steady decline. The Committee on Fuel Poverty’s 2024 Annual Report, “Can Fuel Poverty be Ended?”, reveals a worrying standstill in tackling the crisis. Despite past progress, recent years have seen little to no improvement in the number of fuel-poor households.
No Progress Since 2019, Warns Committee Chair
Rt Hon Caroline Flint, Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, voiced serious concerns. “Governments from 2010 onwards saw levels of fuel poverty in England falling steadily for almost a decade – a reduction of 40%, only to be followed by 5 years from 2019 to 2024 where fuel poverty did not fall to any meaningful extent,” Flint said.
She pointed out that stable energy prices throughout the 2010s may have lulled officials and the public into a false sense of security. That optimism has since evaporated as energy costs soar and fuel poverty remains stubbornly high.
Five Key Fixes to Revive the Fight
The Committee’s report pinpoints major challenges and offers bold recommendations to kickstart progress:
- Revamp How Fuel Poverty Is Measured: The report calls for a review of the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE) metric. It also suggests introducing a “guarantee of affordable energy for all” in future strategies.
- Prioritise Fabric First: Focus on improving home insulation and energy efficiency before switching to low-carbon heating systems.
- Protect Vulnerable Groups: Private renters, ethnic minorities, and those on prepayment meters are at greatest risk. Over 900,000 households with children are also badly hit.
- Improve Data and Targeting: Better data sharing and targeted action are essential to reach those most in need.
- Fix the Private Rented Sector: Without urgent energy efficiency upgrades here, ending fuel poverty will remain out of reach.
Time for a New Approach, Says Flint
The Committee stays hopeful but stresses urgent action. Targeted financial support — including possible social tariffs — must shield the most vulnerable as energy prices climb.
“This report argues that the Fuel Poverty Strategy requires a reset, a refresh and a new focus; we cannot afford to bear down on a problem which too many low-income households endure year on year,” said Caroline Flint.
With energy costs rising and fuel poverty levels stuck near pre-pandemic highs, experts warn that without fresh, effective strategies, millions of UK families will continue to suffer.
