National Energy Action charity backs fuel poverty report

Leading fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) has today urged the Government to follow the recommendations of its own advisory group The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG).

NEA is a member of FPAG and believes that the Government’s only chance of meeting their legally-binding target for total eradication of fuel poverty by 2016 is to follow the advice given by their own advisory group in its report, issued today.

Jenny Saunders NEA Chief Executive said: “We strongly endorse FPAG’s recommendations. NEA has petitioned for a fair social tariff for vulnerable consumers, a new injection of funding for energy efficiency schemes and an extension of the winter fuel payment to other vulnerable groups.

“The problem of fuel poverty is getting worse and needs a three-pronged attack through better energy efficiency of housing stock; through greater financial support for low-income households and through a fair (social) tariff for vulnerable consumers.

“We believe the Government must commit to long-term and permanent solutions. Fuel poverty won’t be ended by piecemeal measures and token gestures.

“NEA urges the Government not to give up on its 2010 target of ending fuel poverty for vulnerable households, or its 2016 target to completely eradicate fuel poverty.

“The Government needs to act urgently and we are calling on Gordon Brown, who only recently pledged to ensure that he will do everything to eradicate fuel poverty, to use the additional VAT receipts he will receive from the recent spate of price increases and direct them into energy efficiency schemes for the fuel poor.”

Ends

Notes to the Editor

1. NEA is the leading fuel poverty charity campaigning for affordable warmth in the homes of vulnerable people. Visit www.nea.org.uk
2. Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend over 10% of household income on fuel costs to maintain adequate warmth for health and comfort.
3. A 1% rise in energy prices forces 40,000 households into fuel poverty.
4. Since 2003 domestic gas charges have increased by up to 90% and charges for electricity by 63%.
5. The FPAG 2007 Annual Report can be found at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file45365.pdf
6. The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group is appointed by the Government to advise it on the practical measures needed to meet its fuel poverty targets.

For more information contact David Bootle, NEA Press Officer on 0191 2615677, or david.bootle@nea.org.uk or call 07984993579.