National Energy Action Chief Executive Adam Scorer responds to the government announcing consultations on a new fuel poverty strategy and higher private rented sector energy efficiency standards across England and Wales.
Adam says, ‘Alleviating fuel poverty means ensuring everyone can afford to keep their homes warm and healthy. It is about addressing high energy bills and inefficient homes, but it also contributes to other government missions, supporting efforts to reach net zero, preventing ill-health and tackling child poverty. A more vigorous, ambitious approach is very welcome to get back on track to lift millions out of the daily despair of a cold home and unaffordable bills.
‘Millions of households are struggling to pay their bills. A disproportionate number of these live in privately rented properties. Working towards stronger energy efficiency standards for landlords is the level of ambition needed to meet legal fuel poverty commitments. The private rented sector includes some of the worst quality housing, lived in by some of the most vulnerable people. We hope that these steps signal an end to fuel poor renters enduring in cold, leaky homes.
‘The UK government must now seize the opportunity that this new strategy and regulations bring, fortifying them with new spending to improve the homes of fuel poor households.’