Lib Dem MP warns of growing ‘rural fuel poverty’

The fuel poverty gap refers to the amount of extra money people would need to heat their homes and remain above the poverty line. Those living in older homes or those who live off-grid are more acutely affected.

Analysis by the Government shows that this gap is a staggering £521 in South West, the highest in the country and well above the national average of £338. It is explained partly because people living in the West Country pay far more to properly heat their homes.

The recent spike in energy prices has left many unable to afford to pay their bills and put food on the table, with the issue being exacerbated by repeated delays to the Government’s support for those not connected to the gas grid.

Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord is calling for urgent action to address this growing crisis – including a new home insulation package, more comprehensive support for rural homes, and keeping energy bills capped for longer.

Commenting, Richard Foord said:
“It’s unacceptable that people living in homes across the West Country are being left to face the largest fuel poverty gap in the whole country, almost £200 higher than the national average.

“We know that our communities face many unique challenges when it comes to staying warm, including having older, less energy efficient homes and large numbers of people who live off-grid and buy fuel in advance.

“However, the scale of this disparity is surprising and highlights the need for swift action to protect people, to keep bills down, and to reduce this gap.

“Liberal Democrats have long called for additional action to properly insulate our homes, which would keep down bills for individuals and taxpayers alike, and would reduce our carbon footprint. The Government has failed to set out a new scheme to make this happen.

“It’s clear we need to see a wider package of long-term measures, aimed at insulating our homes, helping people to stay warm, and keeping bills down. This is what I will keep fighting for.”