Our response to Welsh Government Fuel Poverty Figures announcement

New Welsh Government estimates show that a quarter of Welsh Households are now considered to be in fuel poverty spending more than 10% of their income to heat their home to an adequate temperature.

The new estimates also demonstrate that a further 5% of households are considered to be in severe fuel poverty spending over 20% of their income to keep their homes warm.

Care & Repair agencies work tirelessly across Wales to support older people living in energy inefficient homes as a result of poor condition and disrepair. We meet many older households who are spending a disproportionate amount of their fixed income to keep their home warm, safe and comfortable.

For many Care & Repair clients, paying £1,850 a year to keep their homes to a satisfactory level of warmth is simply unaffordable. As a result, they are often forced to go without adequate heating, putting their health and wellbeing at serious risk. Care & Repair does not accept that any older person should become ill because they live in a cold home and this is why long-term solutions to eradicate fuel poverty must be a priority.

Housing disrepair is a key determinant of energy inefficient homes, resulting in households falling into fuel poverty and today’s figures reveal the pervasive nature of fuel poverty in Wales. This is why Care & Repair Cymru is calling on the next Welsh Government to commit to improving the Welsh housing stock and implement a Safety Net Grant to fix hazardous disrepairs for older and vulnerable households.