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Join a team that cares for you!Did you know that more than 6 million households in the UK are living in fuel poverty, and struggling to heat their homes? Here’s a guide to understanding whether you might be living in fuel poverty – and the practical action you can take.
National Energy Action defines a household as being in fuel poverty when the occupants are spending more than 10% of their income on energy in order to keep their home warm and healthy. You can also be described as being in fuel poverty if your home is rated D or below for energy efficiency and heating it leaves you with an income below the poverty line. Find out more about energy efficiency ratings here.
Fuel poverty is bad for physical health. Living in a cold home can cause or worsen serious health conditions including heart attacks, strokes, bronchitis and asthma. It’s also bad for your mental health, increasing anxiety, depression and stress.
Because of the health risks associated with fuel poverty, it’s important to make sure you’re getting any financial support you’re entitled to in order to help you heat your home. That could include:
• Government heating support: Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments: Older people may be eligible for financial support to help with heating bills in winter. Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
• Energy supplier grants: Some energy providers offer grants for vulnerable households. SGN’s Help to Heat scheme supports those who need help with heating costs.
• Free home energy checks: Local councils and charities can offer free energy advice and home insulation grants. Contact your local authority or SGN’s winter-ready guide for more information.
There are also some simple steps you can take to help you stay warmer at home:
✔ Use thicker curtains and close them at dusk.
✔ Block draughts around doors and windows.
✔ Ensure loft and wall insulation is in place.
✔ Run heating at a steady, safe temperature.
✔Make sure your boiler (as well as any other gas appliances) are serviced regularly by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
✔ Warm up your bed. A hot water bottle or electric blanket can make a big difference on cold nights. Extra blankets and thermal bedding are also great ways to stay cosy and safe.
✔ Let the sunshine in! During daylight hours open curtains to let sunlight in. Even in winter, the heat from the sun will warm up the room. As soon as it gets dark, close them to trap the heat inside.
Check SGN’s advice on getting winter ready for practical ways to improve home warmth and manage energy costs.
ADSS can provide practical advice on how to stay warm at home this winter, and refer you to the Priority Services Register for support with your energy needs. Find out more about the Priority Services Register here. We can also put you in touch with our partners Green Doctors who offer face-to-face advice on making your home more energy efficient and Income Max who can help you access extra financial help with your heating bills. Contact our Home Energy Advisor Kelly to find out more.