Map Reveals Fuel Poverty Crisis Across England’s 36,000 Neighborhoods

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Today, an interactive map reveals the shocking scale of 'fuel poverty' across England.

Almost three-quarters of homes in some of the country's most-deprived neighbourhoods fall below the threshold, MailOnline can disclose.

Across the country, one in every ten households, totaling approximately 2.73 million, experienced fuel poverty in 2024. Birmingham identified as a specific hot spot.

Authorities describe it as a situation where a house receives an energy efficiency score of D or lower. Additionally, their remaining income post-housing and heating expenses should be beneath the poverty threshold—or roughly under £20,700.

Inflation has caused fuel poverty rates to soar during the cost-of-living crisis as energy companies increase bills at a pace faster than inflation.

Households were hit hard by an additional hike this week. Analysts predicted the 'Terrible April' surge in costs for water and energy bills would amount to £233 for homes, on average .

Specialists caution that millions who technically fall into the category of fuel-poor won’t be aware of their situation.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition action group, told MailOnline: "This underscores the severity of the continuing cost of living crisis."

The unfortunate truth is that many individuals will face hardship due to fuel poverty, often without being aware of their situation, despite these statistics.

MailOnline's audit, breaking down fuel poverty rates by all 36,000 neighbourhoods across England, suggest that the true rate of fuel poverty nationwide could be closer to one in eight.

A staggering 3.17million households spent more than 10 per cent of their income on energy.

The National Energy Action (NEA) charity uses that metric to define fuel poverty, instead of the Government's wording.

Our investigation revealed that seven out of the ten worst areas were located within Birmingham.

The areas in England most impacted by this issue were found in the Bournbrook and Selly Park ward, with household percentages falling between 71.2% to 63.5%, all beneath the fuel poverty threshold.

This location is favored by the university students from across the city’s multiple institutions of higher learning.

Out of all 32 smaller geographic regions (each comprising roughly 2,000 residents) where more than half of the homes fall under the poverty threshold, 14 were located within Birmingham.

Eighteen out of the top 20 were situated within the broader West Midlands region.

The second-highest rate of fuel poverty nationally was found in the Hanley Park, Joiner's Square & Shelton area of Stoke-On-Trent, affecting 70.7 percent of residents.

Mr Francis said: ' The Chancellor must act to reform energy markets to reduce the cost of electricity and provide help to those struggling in fuel poverty now, not continue with cuts in vital support to older and disabled people.

'We need a government willing to invest in the long term solutions to the cost of living crisis – and the future of the country.'

Sir Keir Starmer and his energy secretary Ed Miliband have a target to improve as many Band D efficiency homes up to Band C, or minimum of 69 by 2030.

Data from March 2024 show that the average energy efficiency performance for homes in England is 68 – band D.

Adam Scorer, NEA chief executive, said: 'These statistics show little progress was being made by the previous government to reduce the numbers in fuel poverty and therefore to meet its legal obligations.

'This government made a commitment to do much, much better.

The statistics highlight the difficulties they encounter, yet simultaneously present an opening to reverse the trend—not just to improve conditions for those sentenced to live in chilly, wet, unsuitable residences, but also to alleviate strain on healthcare systems and decrease carbon emissions emanating from poorly insulated dwellings.

Mr. Scorer emphasized that although grants to assist with bill payments are essential, long-term strategies should also be prioritized and monitored closely.

He stated: "Providing direct assistance with unmanageable energy costs is essential, but we also need a strategy to eliminate fuel poverty from homes. Additionally, for the many tenants experiencing fuel poverty, landlords should be obligated to implement these changes as well."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is coming under heavy fire for what many are seeing as punitive energy cost increases.

The yearly energy cost for a home on a variable rate rather than a fixed plan, consuming a standard quantity of gas and electricity, increased by 6.4% or about £111 annually to reach £1,849 starting from April 2025.

Ofgem stated that they have raised the cap due to the recent increase in wholesale prices.

The cap is established every quarter and restricts how much providers can charge per unit of gas and electricity, though it does not limit your overall bill. Therefore, using more energy will result in higher payments.

This impacts 22 million households across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Fixed charges — the constant daily costs associated with connecting to a natural gas and electrical power supply, which differ based on location — are increasing once more for gas but decreasing for electricity; however, this can vary depending on your area of residence.

Although neither the Chancellor nor Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be affected by these changes.

The two individuals only incur a taxable benefit for operating expenses at the grace-and-favour apartments located in Downing Street.

This cap is set at 10 percent of their ministerial salaries, which means they contribute approximately £3,000 for all utility costs and additional expenditures, with this amount remaining fixed.

In the coming season, the Government plans to release a fresh fuel poverty strategy for England, unveil their Warm Homes Plan, and determine the approach for offering energy bill assistance during the following winter.

A surge in energy prices compounds the challenges for elderly households throughout England, following reductions in their winter fuel payments last September.

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