So what is fuel poverty?

Fuel poverty is said to occur when in order to heat the home to an adequate standard of warmth (18 degrees), a household needs to spend more than 10% of its income.

In 2011, a survey indicated that the number of households in the UK suffering from fuel poverty was 6.3 million – a staggering 24% of the population.

Factors that cause fuel poverty include: low income, high fuel prices (electricity and gas), poor energy efficient homes (poor insulation, old or inefficient heating systems etc) and the under-occupancy of homes.

New research has indicated that 10% of consumers have defaulted on their energy bills and a third of families now have to ration fuel.

People in the UK are sometimes forced to choose between eating or heating for a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

Low income

Many people in the UK are living on a low income, which can make it difficult to afford both food and heating. People who are working but on low pay, or who are receiving benefits, may find that their income is simply not enough to cover all their essential expenses.

Rising costs

The cost of living in the UK has increased in recent years, particularly when it comes to essentials like food and energy bills. This means that even people who were previously able to afford both food and heating may now find it a struggle.

Energy inefficiency

Many homes in the UK are poorly insulated or have inefficient heating systems, which can lead to high energy bills. This can be particularly challenging for people on low incomes, who may not be able to afford to make the necessary improvements to their home.

Health problems

Some people in the UK may have health problems that require them to spend more money on heating, such as asthma or other respiratory conditions. This can make it difficult to afford both food and heating, and may force people to choose between the two.

Other expenses

In addition to food and heating, people in the UK may also have other essential expenses to pay for, such as rent, council tax, and other bills. This can make it difficult to budget and plan for all necessary expenses.

Overall, the issue of choosing between eating or heating is a complex one, and one that requires a range of solutions, including increased support for people on low incomes, more energy-efficient homes, and better access to affordable food and energy.