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Fuel poverty is considered to effect any household in which more than 10% of the household income is used to pay for fuel to heat the home.  With a significant rise in gas and electric bills and the recession, it is predicted that thousands more households are experiencing the effects of fuel poverty.

The ability of a household to adequately heat their home within a budget they can manage is crucial for the promotion of health and wellbeing, as living in a cold environment can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

It is recommended that a minimum temperature of 21°C in the living room and 18°C in other rooms is an adequate level of warmth in the home.

The following diagram illustrates the causes and consequences of fuel poverty:

In Britain, a cold spell during a mild winter is followed by:

• two days later by a sudden rise in heart attacks by up to a third;

• five days later by a rise in the number of strokes;

• twelve days later by a rise in respiratory illness.

Further effects can be:

• Social isolation.

• Reduced dexterity.

• Poorer quality of life.

• Depression and anxiety.

• Lower educational attainment.

• Longer hospital stays

For further information regarding the Hotspots scheme, please contact the Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012.

Please see the Health and Affordable Warm factsheet and Winter Health factsheet for more information.