Wales tops fuel poverty league

Friday, 02 December 2011 03:38

Fuel poverty varies across the UK with the level of households classified as in fuel poverty in Wales double that of the amount of households in London, according to new research from uSwitch.com.

32 per cent of households in Wales are classified as being in fuel poverty compared to just 16 per cent in London. Wales has the highest percentage of households in fuel poverty and London the lowest. Wales also suffers from some of the highest energy costs in the UK.

A household is classified as being in fuel poverty if ten per cent of the net income is spent on gas and electricity usage. The research does not take into account the recent price rises from each of the big six suppliers.

The east of England is only just behind with 31 per cent of households in fuel poverty, according to the research from the independent price comparison site.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com says: "Rocketing energy prices mean that no area of the UK is safe from the clutches of fuel poverty. The fuel poor can be found in all types of households and in all parts of the country, but some regions and households are clearly more vulnerable than others.”

All of the big six suppliers raised their prices for both gas and electricity in time for the high levels of winter usage adding hundreds of pounds to the bills households across the UK can expect to pay this winter. Gas price rises were between 10 and 18 per cent and electricity price rises were lower but still above inflation.

Ann Robinson added: “Those who are particularly vulnerable, on a low income or benefits should talk to their supplier about its social tariff. Failing that there are plenty of cheap energy plans that households can switch to and this will help them to cut the cost of their energy.”

According to uSwitch, annual household energy bills have risen by £633 or 96 per cent in just over five years and in total 27 per cent of UK households are in fuel poverty. The North of England comes in at third spot, followed by Scotland, the South and the Midlands, ahead of London, which has the lowest levels of fuel poverty, though parts of London do see a high number of households classified as fuel poor but this is masked by high levels of wealth in certain parts of the capital.

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