THE government is being urged to address the growing crisis of fuel poverty in rural communities.

The call comes in a joint report by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) and rural energy supplier Calor Gas Ltd.

Rural households face fundamental barriers in accessing energy efficiency and fuel poverty assistance schemes, says the document.

These issues must be addressed as part of a new and ambitious fuel poverty strategy – especially for rural families who don't have access to mains gas.

The joint report is called Energy and Equity: One Year On - Access to Government Programmes for Rural and Off Gas Households in England.

It is a follow-up to a paper published by NEA and Calor in 2013.

That report highlighted official statistics showing that fuel poor households located off the gas network are typically prone to much more severe fuel poverty.

Despite policy interventions, these households are least likely to benefit from current policies.

The latest report revisits the original study to investigate what has changed in light of legislative developments which have established a new fuel poverty target in England.

Despite progress, the depth of rural off-gas fuel poverty is deepening with little prospect of improvement under current energy efficiency and fuel poverty policies, it says.

In light of this, both organisations continue to share serious misgivings regarding access to, and delivery of, properly targeted help and support for householders off the gas grid.

"There can be no further justification for not taking adequate action to support these households," said Calor corporate affairs manager Holly Sims.

"All too often the government's energy efficiency schemes have failed rural off-gas grid areas, especially the poorest. The new fuel poverty strategy is a key opportunity to address these issues."

NEA external affairs director Maria Wardrobe said the report highlighted the importance of the next Comprehensive Spending Review following the General Election in May 2015.

Without enhanced spending, resources would continue to be insufficient, she warned.

"Directly after the election there will be a need to dramatically strengthen and supplement existing programmes," said Ms Wardrobe.

"In return, this improved approach will deliver new jobs and economic growth, reduce pressure on health services, increase energy security and reduce carbon emissions.

"Most importantly, it will provide a long-term, sustainable solution to unaffordable fuel bills and secure warm, healthy homes for all consumers, wherever they live."

Calor Gas Ltd is a Rural Services Network Partner, and sponsors the RSN Rural Vulnerability Service.