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:

Fuel poverty kills thousands every year – charity

The UK has the sixth-highest rate of excess winter deaths in Europe with thousands dying preventable deaths every year.
(LocalGov)

Are council-backed entrants answer to fuel poverty?

Are council-backed energy companies the answer to solving the fuel poverty crisis? David Blackman investigates.
(Utility Week)

Fuel poverty campaigners call for tougher targets

Housing campaigners are calling for tougher targets to end fuel poverty.
(Third Force News)

Householders advised how to cut energy bills

Cornish charity Community Energy Plus and the CPR Foodbank hosted a drop-in advice event to help householders enjoy warmer homes.
(Falmouth Packet)


Housing association’s fuel poverty work recognised

WORK by energy wardens to help combat fuel poverty in North Wales has received a trio of commendations.
(North Wales Chronicle)

National award for fuel poverty project

A community energy project has won a national award for its part helping to tackle fuel poverty in north Devon.
(North Devon Gazette)

More than 10% 'fuel poor' says report

MORE than 60,000 households in Lancashire struggle badly to pay their fuel bills, a new report says.
(Lancashire Telegraph)

Pressure on big six to tackle fuel poverty

The ‘big six’ energy suppliers came under pressure at a fuel poverty summit  about their use of pre-payment meters.
(Utility Week)

Help on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

IF the cost of heating bills means you're struggling to stay warm this winter, help is out there.
(Bridport News)

Event gives advice to tackle fuel poverty

ADVICE and support to help tackle fuel poverty has been on hand at a special event on National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.
(Northern Echo)

Call for action to combat rise in fuel poverty

MORE must be done to help rural households which are experiencing fuel poverty, says Oftec.
(Keighley News)

3,000 die because they can't heat their homes

Campaigners call for action to end 'entirely preventable' tragedy that kills as many people as prostate cancer or breast cancer.
(The Independent)

12.2% in South Hams live in fuel poverty

Government figures show that 4,711 households in Devon's South Hams are experiencing fuel poverty.
(Dartmouth Chronicle)