Govt still committed to 2010 fuel poverty target

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says the government "remains committed" to ending fuel poverty within vulnerable households by 2010.

A spokesperson said it would seek the eradication "so far as reasonably practicable" following a legal challenge by charities Help the Aged and Friends of the Earth.

Last month the government's fuel poverty advisory group said meeting the 2010 target was "impossible" and today the Defra spokesperson admitted high fuel prices were making the target "challenging".

But he insisted a "strong package of measures" was in place, including winter fuel payments and the warm front scheme.

An obligation on energy suppliers to promote energy efficiency measures has also been introduced which will provide £1.5 billion for low-income and elderly consumers, the spokesperson added.