Welcome to the latest fuel poverty newsletter from the Rural Vulnerability Service - brought to you by the Rural Services Network and the Rural England CIC in association with Calor.

Limited options for fuel in rural localities – many of which lack mains gas – make efficient fuel use and insulation particularly important for countryside communities.

In addition, rural residents face the challenges of lower average wages, an ageing population and single-skin, solid wall or non-cavity wall properties.

The Rural Services Network believes the national picture must not mask this extra rural dimension.

Latest updates:

Charity's mission to tackle fuel poverty in Durham

2017 A charity is fighting to raise vital funds for the elderly as the weather turns colder.
(Northern Echo - 5 December)

Surviving Winter campaign hits £10k in first week

Donations to a Surviving Winter campaign have hit £10,000, just a week after this year’s appeal began.
(East Anglian Daily Times - 23 November 2017)

Millions of people face fuel poverty crisis

According to a new study, more than three in ten people in the UK say they are too scared to put their heating on because they fear crippling fuel bills.
(Mature Times - 28 November 2017)

New figures reveal 27% living in fuel poverty

More than a quarter of Scottish households are still living in fuel poverty despite a fall in fuel prices.
(Third Force News - 5 December 2017)

Campaign to help elderly people survive winter

A campaign to help the most vulnerable in our communities to stay warm and well this winter has just been launched in Devon.
(South Hams Gazette - 6 December 2017)

Homes helped out of fuel poverty

Almost 140 homes across a West Yorkshire district have been helped out of fuel poverty in time for Christmas.
(Keighley News - 11 December 2017)

Multi million pound service to reduce fuel poverty

Thousands of people across Cornwall will be lifted out of fuel poverty and live in warmer homes following an £8m funding investment over the next year.
(Falmouth Packet - 4 December 2017)

Fuel poverty continues but still not enough funding

More than 3.2million households in England and Scotland are fuel poor, according to official statistics.
(Voltimum - 21 November 2017)

Campaign to protect hundreds living in fuel poverty

Somerset Community Foundation has launched this year’s Surviving Winter campaign.
(Weston Mercury - 24 November 2017)

1m UK families unable to pay fuel bills this winter

More than one million families in England will not have the cash to cover basic living costs this winter, a new study claims.
(Metro - 17 November 2017)

Help for Hertfordshire’s vulnerable to stay warm

A raft of measures to help vulnerable people living in fuel poverty this winter have been launched by council bosses.
(Hemel Today - 7 December 2017)

Community appeal to keep Wiltshire residents warm

Hundreds of older people at risk from freezing temperatures this winter could be helped by the Wiltshire Community Foundation.
(Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard - 19 November 2017)