Sir Steve Webb, Partner, LCP,  comments on new analysis by consultants LCP suggesting many elderly widows and those on pension credit were already at high risk of living in fuel poverty even before the surge in energy bills in recent years. 

The most recent detailed data on household spending covers the financial year 2019/20 and comes from the ONS Living Costs and Food Survey.  In that year, spending on gas, electricity and other fuel accounted for just over 6% of total household spending for a typical household.  But, certain groups were already much closer on average to the fuel poverty line, even before the October 2022 and January 2023 price hikes. 

Even if the government comes up with additional help to cover increased bills, these vulnerable elderly households will remain ‘fuel poor’, says LCP, with more than three million elderly and vulnerable people therefore at risk of long-term fuel poverty.

Sir Steve Webb, Partner, LCP, commented:

Whilst all households are feeling the pain of soaring energy bills, many widows and those on pension credit may have gone into the current crisis already struggling to pay their bills.  Urgent action to tackle the price hikes expected in the coming months is vitally important, but even if bills eventually begin to subside it is vital that the underlying problem of fuel poverty among the elderly is properly addressed.  Measures required include promoting effective take-up of benefits that are already available as well as a major upgrade in the energy efficiency of the homes in question.

Full press release: Elderly widows set to be left to endure fuel poverty even after energy costs help

Media Contact:
Steve Webb, Partner, LCP
steve.webb@lcp.uk.com
07875 494184

18 August 2022