Views and Comments

The National Right to Fuel Campaign provides a forum for the exchange of views of its members and other interested in the problems and solutions of fuel poverty.

Current issues under discussion include:

Definition of fuel poverty

The common definition is that households who spend more than 10% of income on fuel bills are considered to be in fuel poverty. However, this is subject to different interpretations, for example, how it takes into consideration housing costs and benefits.

With increased knowledge of housing condition, energy efficiency impact and household expenditure, there is a move to reconsider the 10% definition.

The impact of rising fuel prices

Dr Richard Moore, in a joint National Right to Fuel/NEA publication, has made an analysis of the increase in numbers of households in fuel poverty as fuel prices rise in double digit percentages.

This looks to be an increasing problem which needs government action to safeguard conditions for fuel poor households.

The Fall and Rise of Fuel prices - Full Report - Summary

Effect of climate change

Climate change appears to increase extremes of weather, colder in winter and hotter in summer. Those who live in fuel poverty or who are vulnerable, older people, the very young or those who are ill, will suffer the impact of these conditions to a greater extent than the average household.

The NRFC Annual Conference this year will address this problem and look at solutions being developed in response.

To add your views & comments on any of these issues, send them to the NRFC Administrator.