How fuel poverty is impacting low-income families

66% of people cut back on food to pay energy bills Credit: PA

A charity has revealed the extent to which fuel and food poverty in the UK is impacting on the health and well-being of low-income families.

The study by Turn2us highlights the drastic measures families are taking to pay their energy bills, with 66% of people in the North East cutting back on food - and 88% of people saying that cutting back on energy has negatively affected the health of their children.

Almost three quarters of low income households in the North East are struggling to pay their energy bills.

NORTH EAST STATISTICS

  • 73% struggled with energy bills last year

  • 66% of people cut back on food to pay energy bills

  • 88% of people say the cold negatively affected the health of their children - nationally this is 75%

  • 19% of people have considered or have taken out a pay day loan to pay for their energy bills

The research has been conducted by the national charity, Turn2us; the sample size was over 2,000 UK adults.

WHERE TO GET HELP AND ADVICE

The government says it cannot control unpredictable global energy prices but that advice can be provided.

Find out how to keep bills low

Green Deal - homes and businesses can make energy efficiency improvements with some or all of costs paid for from savings on bills

Smart meters - gas and electricity meters that provide near real-time information on energy use

The Energy Company Obligation - a subsidy from energy suppliers that will work alongside the Green Deal to provide energy-saving home improvements for those most in need

Electricity Demand Reduction project – assesses whether there is sufficient support and incentives to households