The latest annual report from the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG) (www.decc.gov.uk/) based in the UK indicates that of the estimated 4 million+ households in England that experience fuel poverty almost 50% are pensioners. According to National Energy Action between 2003- 2008 the average fuel bill has increased in England by over 125%.  The potential for further increase in energy prices, due to our gas dependant future, makes compelling argument for critical strategic Government action.

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) has long argued that older people are more likely to experience fuel poverty due to lower standards of housing and lower incomes. The direct and indirect effects of fuel poverty have been identified by their All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health (2007) (www.publichealth.ie/files/file/FuelPoverty_0.pdf ). This reports that Ireland, north and south, have among the highest levels of excess winter mortality in Europe, with an estimated 2,800 excess deaths on the island over the winter months. Furthermore, the McCarthy Report’s suggested public spending cut backs, in particular the 5% cut in all social welfare rates and €5 prescription charge, will badly hit the less well off pensioners whose sole income is the state pension. This will unavoidably impact supplementary personal fuel provisions.

While governments in the UK and Ireland have taken measures to address fuel poverty, such as the fuel allowance scheme in Ireland and the Heat and Energy Saving Strategy in the UK, the report by the FPAG states these are insufficient and further policy is needed with deliverables detailing who, when, and funding commitments. Further more, The Committee for Climate Change (www.theccc.org.uk) estimates that cost implications necessary to address carbon budgets will lead to a substantial increase in homes experiencing fuel poverty by 2022.