Fuel poverty and affordable warmth

With more than a fifth of households in Lambeth living in fuel poverty and a high level of long-term illness many people are at risk. We are committed to tackling fuel poverty in the borough and to reducing the impact of both cold and hot weather on the health of the most vulnerable.

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on fuel to maintain a satisfactory heating regime (usually 21 degrees for the main living area, and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms). Being in fuel poverty affects a person's health, quality of life and general well being and is a barrier to social inclusion.

Fuel poverty is determined by the interaction of a number of factors, but three specifically stand out. These are:

• how energy efficient the property is
• the cost of energy
• household income.

We are working to promote energy efficiency and available grants to minimise the number of Lambeth residents who are in fuel poverty.

We are also runs a service called Every Pound Counts to assist residents in identifying and claiming benefits which they are entitled to.

Fuel Poverty Strategy

The council also has an Fuel Poverty Strategy that sets out the causes and current levels of fuel poverty in Lambeth. The document details the council's approach to tackling fuel poverty and activities taking place within the borough to deliver affordable warmth.