That was the call from national charity NEA (National Energy Action) after publication of the conclusions of professor John Hills review of current policy on fuel poverty.
His final report includes recommendations on how fuel poverty should be defined and measured, the implications of proposed revisions in understanding the scale of the challenge and the effectiveness of different types of policy.
NEA chief executive Jenny Saunders said: “NEA’s priority is to ensure this review prompts a renewed consensus. Determination and action will be the key if we are to meet the Government’s legal obligations. The review rightly emphasizes that improving heating and insulation standards must be at the centre of fuel poverty policy.
“It is crucial too that these schemes are well resourced, effectively targeted and prioritize those that need help the most. Adequate levels of resource, support and co-ordination will be required across all of Government”.
Currently the UK’s fuel poverty strategy defines a fuel-poor household as one needing to spend more than 10 per cent of household income to achieve a satisfactory and healthy heating regime.
The review proposes modifying the definition by setting two thresholds; the first to define low income and the second to define reasonable energy costs. Under these proposals, a household will only be defined as fuel poor if it falls below both thresholds.
The Government is committed to the eradication of fuel poverty for all households in England by 2016. However a combination of rising energy prices, inadequately resourced programmes and the lack of a concerted strategy means that fuel poverty is on the increase, currently affecting more than 5 million households.