National Right to Fuel Campaign

Campaigning for an end to fuel poverty by securing a warm, dry, well lit home for all, regardless of income or location.

A general resource for all who are interested in the elimination of fuel poverty.

Campaign Information

Through its members, the National Right to Fuel Campaign has been working since 1975 for the eradication of fuel poverty.

Our membership represents a wide range of organisations, including the voluntary sector, local authorities, independent experts, trade unions, academics and professionals in housing, welfare benefits and environmental health.

The Campaign holds an annual conference on key fuel poverty policy issues supported by Ministers, MPs and other leading figures, interested in eradicating fuel poverty.

 

What is Fuel Poverty?

Fuel poverty arises when people have insufficient income to heat their homes to the standard required for comfort and health.

Adequate warmth in the home is defined as 18°C for active people and 21°C for those leading more sedentary lives such as people who are sick, old or disabled. (World Health Organisation)

Factors influencing this are the condition of the property, its location, its state of repair, the type of heating system installed, the cost of fuel and the level of household income. Households on low income generally have no control over these factors and are unable to improve their situation.

The present climate is adversely affecting these households, with rising prices for gas and electricity and the unknown but likely impact of climate change, both in the winter with lower temperatures and in summer with temperatures rising dangerously.