Fuel poverty in Brighton & Hove
Many households across Brighton and Hove face a big challenge heating their homes, especially over the winter months.
According to the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, there are around 16,527 households in fuel poverty which is higher than the average for England and the Southeast.
Cold homes can eventually present several related problems such as damp and mould which can be the cause of further health risks making those already suffering from long term illnesses much more vulnerable when living in a cold house.
In 2023, it was recorded that the annual cost reduction needed for households to no longer be in fuel poverty was £417. This is also known as the ‘fuel poverty gap’ which statistics show to be higher especially for those who are unemployed, students, single parent households or those who live in the private rental housing.
According to the statistics given by Brighton and Hove Health and Wellbeing Board the highest rate of fuel poverty is shown to be in the private rented sector at 24.1%, 16.6% for those in ethnically minority households, 35.1% of students and 36.9% of those who are unemployed are shown to be fuel poor.
Effects of Fuel Poverty
Fuel poverty can also have negative impacts on the health of individuals as well as financial impacts. The NHS spends £2.5 billion per year treating ill-health caused by damp, cold, unsafe homes. In addition to this, there is also a direct link between fuel poverty and a 10% excess in winter deaths.
Fuel poverty can have long lasting effects on all areas of life as it causes many to have an increase in the number of days they take off school or work due to illness. It can also present a lead to people choosing between heating or eating, making it difficult to cook sufficient and healthy meals.
In response to the latest figures on fuel poverty, Brighton & Hove City Council have devised a plan to reduce fuel poverty within Brighton and organisations such as BHESCo are available to help with fuel costs and cold homes.
How BHESCo help with energy costs and cold homes
BHESCo offer a wide range of services for those who struggle to afford heat and power costs.
BHESCo is a registered partner of the Fuel Bank Foundation and can make referrals on behalf of clients for emergency fuel bank vouchers which can provide two weeks’ worth of energy.
Another option available are free home energy services where advice can be given on energy saving behaviour, heating controls and how to ventilate your property. This free service is highly encouraged for those who may have young children, those over 60 or those living with a long-term health condition.
During this survey, our energy advisors will identify where there is heat loss and can offer some free energy saving measures such as secondary glazing or draft excluders which help reduce any heat loss.
BHESCo can also help those who may have fallen behind with their Direct Debit payments by accessing grants. These grants may come from donations by BHESCo shareholders or alternatively through the Brighton Lion’s Club. The club is a local organisation whose ‘Project Wenceslas’ programme aims to alleviate the fuel poverty numbers within Brighton and Hove. Any donations made to the club can be distributed amongst those who are most vulnerable in the local area through requests made from BHESCo or other agencies such as Age UK or Citizens Advice.
Finally, we also offer support in disputes with client’s energy supplier, giving advice around complaints and where applicable, making a referral to the Energy Ombudsman.
If you are someone who is struggling with the costs of heating your home, BHESCo have a wide range of services available, especially for those whose health is compromised by living in cold conditions.
Whether it be with help regarding measures to keep a home warmer, or grants and fuel vouchers to help with the costs of rising energy bills all the services are free and easy to access.
BHESCo Energy Advice Desks
BHESCo offer free ‘face-to-face’ energy advice services around the city, where you can ask us your questions and we can provide you with information on how to reduce your energy bills.
The map below shows where you can find us on a regular basis.
Please contact us on 01273 284 470 to find out when we will next be at your preferred location.
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