Fuel Poverty Strategy

Everyone has the right to sufficient warmth in their own home. In certain circumstances, as a result of factors such as low income, household conditions and lack of information, people may find themselves with insufficient 'affordable' warmth.

This is known as 'fuel poverty' and it affects up to 6 million households in England alone. Epping Forest take this issue very seriously and our Fuel Poverty Strategy is out for consultation until the 29 December 2006.

Click here to view the EFDC draft Fuel Poverty Strategy

Warm Homes Campaign 2006

Cutting the number of winter related deaths and illnesses by providing warmer, better- insulated homes is being promoted in a campaign by Epping Forest District Council. Warm Homes is a national campaign that runs from 24 November to 4 December 2006, it aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people that struggle to heat their homes in the winter, and aims to cut the number of people living in fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend more than 10% of the household’s income on fuel to achieve a healthy and comfortable living environment. It is recommended that it is 21°C/70°F for older people and young children and for others 18°C/ 64°F should be enough, except for the living room which is recommended to be 21°C/70°F.

Fuel Poverty affects the mainly poor and vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, single parent families, and the chronic sick. It is estimated that there are currently four million households living in fuel poverty caused by low income and poor energy efficiency. The campaign highlights ways to increase energy efficiency at home and how to apply for grant aid available to low income households.

Environmental Protection Portfolio Holder Councillor Mrs Mary Sartin said “ We are pleased to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign and have been working all year round to help local people keep their homes warm and healthy. The campaign will provide advice and grant information to help people keep warm this winter and save money on their fuel bills".

Mrs Sartin continued, “Epping Forest District Council has produced a draft Fuel Poverty Strategy which is out for consultation until 29 December 2006. We have put up an information stand on Warm Homes in the reception area at the Civic Offices in Epping advising residents of the benefits available to help them pay the energy bills. The Department for Work and Pensions offers a Winter Fuel Payment that older people can benefit from. This payment is an average £200 per household, with an additional £100 for households that include someone aged 80 or over”.

She added “We want to encourage everyone in Epping Forest District who may have trouble keeping warm this winter to call the Home Heat Help Line on 0800 336699 for energy efficiency and financial advice, or the Warm Front Team on 0800316 6011, or Essex Energy Efficient Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to find out more about government grants available to help you heat your home”.

Link to The Pension Service information on Winter Fuel Payments