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What is Fuel Poverty?

Fuel poverty is a historic problem in Britain, affecting many generations of people. It has only been recognised as a significant issue recently and in 2001 the government set out its UK Fuel Poverty Strategy which aims to end fuel poverty for vulnerable households by 2016.

A household is said to be suffering from fuel poverty if it cannot afford to keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost. Fuel poverty is defined as a household that needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to heat its home to an adequate standard of warmth. This is generally defined as 21^oC in the living room and 18^oC in the other occupied rooms.

Some households have a greater need for heat than others. This may be a need for higher indoor temperatures or for longer hours of heating than the average household.

An Affordable Warmth Strategy for Salford

Fuel poverty is a complex problem and its solution requires a strategic approach. We have developed this affordable warmth strategy to help alleviate the city's fuel poverty, deliver affordable warmth for all residents and ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency measures are brought to the attention of all households.

The strategy also includes a detailed action plan for tackling the problem in Salford. This action plan will assist in the delivery of our strategy. Also to achieve the government's target set out in its Fuel Poverty Action Plan of: ‘that by 22 November 2016, as far as reasonably practicable, no person in England should have to live in fuel poverty'.

How can I find out more?

If you are aware of someone who may be vulnerable to fuel poverty, please let us know by e-mailing keepingwarm@salford.gov.uk or telephoning 0161 793 2264.

Alternatively, you can find out more about the latest no-cost and low-cost affordable warmth help by visiting Salford City Council's Home Energy Efficiency webpages.