Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told Energy firms and charities urge chancellor to avoid short-term fix that could also harm low-income households

My quote in this story:

“Slashing this funding would be the most counter-productive thing the chancellor could do to reduce energy costs.

“Government insulation programmes should be paid through tax, so those with the broadest shoulders pay a fairer share”

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told Energy firms and charities urge chancellor to avoid short-term fix that could also harm low-income households

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

@nea.org.uk signed this letter because while any immediate reduction in energy bills is welcome, sustained energy efficiency investment so struggling households can afford to live in warm and healthy homes is utterly essential.

This morning, the government announced that the #WarmHomeDiscount could be expanded to almost 3 million more UK households. Our Chief Executive @adamscorer.bsky.social says this could help 'those in real hardship'.

Today, @cornwallinsight.bsky.social has revealed its final prediction for the April energy price cap. With costs expected to rise by 5%, our Chief Executive @adamscorer.bsky.social says, 'There is no getting used to this new normal for the people we try to help.'

Insulation scandal: Damp and mouldy homes excluded from help Help to fix unsuitable insulation under government schemes only applies to work done since 2022.

Read the latest from the BBC here: tinyurl.com/26s48aye and see what we did to help in Fishwick: tinyurl.com/4w2dct3t (2/2)

'It should not fall to a charity like us to address the failings of government schemes and commercial firms' - our Chief Executive Adam Scorer on the damage failed retrofit schemes can do and why we stepped in to help householders in Preston.(1/2)

There's a lot in this package of consultations. Some of it directly on fuel poverty. Some of it with broader implications on energy market, local authority enforcement etc. For now, just delighted to see it released into the wild & and the prospect of discussion, decision & action.

'The UK government must now seize the opportunity', @adamscorer.bsky.social responds to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announcing a new fuel poverty strategy and a consultation on new energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector across England and Wales.

This is so positive to see from @elpinchbeck.bsky.social and the CCC. Understanding, acknowledging & addressing the unavoidable distributional impacts on low income households properly, & from the start, will allow Govt to act faster & bolder. If not, you build hesitancy & caution into policy.

Another uplifting conference. There isn't always a huge amount to cheer for those working on fuel poverty. But - leaving Liverpool with heaps more ambition, positivity & confidence. Huge thank you to the @nea-ukcharity.bsky.social team, to wonderful speakers and motivating delegates.

Last day of @nea-ukcharity.bsky.social ##FuelPovertyConf. Been fantastic - as always - and looking forward to welcoming Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham to conference. Great sessions on Retrofit for fuel poor households and Tackling health inequalities to come + awards!

To Liverpool and the @nea-ukcharity.bsky.social annual #FuelPovertyConf. Storm wracked it may be, but it'll be enlightening, motivating and determined. Over 350 people and some phenomenal speakers. Always fabulous to be with hundreds of fuel poverty champions.

Chart showing mean share of monthly income accounted for by required expenditure on gas and electricity bills, by month: England Q3 2024-Q3 2025

The UK's cold weather will hit the wallets of pre-payment meter customers particularly hard❄️

Pre-payment meter customers will need to spend nearly a third of income on energy during the winter months.

Read more: https://buff.ly/4fqE8aW

Lots to unpack here. Lets give it a go.

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Thank you to everyone who supported our #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay today. We shared our figures that 6.1 million UK households will be in fuel poverty from January. We had an MP drop-in in Westminster. We held assemblies in schools. We had community events. [1/2]

Low-income energy customers are most likely to ration their energy, which can put their physical and mental health at risk. #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay

Medical equipment such as ventilators, dialysis machines and stair lifts can be incredibly expensive. These are vital for health and wellbeing. #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay

Carers face significant challenges in paying energy bills because they may not be able to work full time and they may need to keep their homes warmer for the person they care for. #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay

Thank you to Welsh Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant for supporting our #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay. With 98% of low income households in Wales living in #FuelPoverty, we need to work together to ensure everybody in Wales can live in a warm, safe and healthy home.

Millions of underheated homes. Often saving just pennies but costing lives.

Working with Salford University, we reveal how much it costs to keep homes at a safe temperature. Our Chief Executive @adamscorer.bsky.social says, 'We know that rationing and self disconnecting comes at an unacceptable price to their health and wellbeing.' https://buff.ly/4105noX

'Now we know there will be no let up into January and beyond.'

Our Chief Executive @adamscorer.bsky.social responds to the news that the #PriceCap will rise by 1% in January.

Energy prices forecast to rise again in January The energy price cap is predicted to edge up by 1% from January, according to analysis by Cornwall Insight.

Our Director of Policy Peter Smith speaks about Cornwall Insight’s final energy #PriceCap prediction, ‘With increased wholesale prices in the last few months, there won't be any let up in the unaffordable cost of energy.’ Read on BBC News: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Energy bills set to rise in January as millions 'dangerously' rationing heating The energy price cap is predicted to rise 1% in January. Here's what rising energy bills mean for the poorest and the support available

NEW: “Millions of people are already rationing energy use to dangerous levels or getting deeper into debt trying to keep warm”

Energy prices are expected to rise in January. I’ve gone in-depth on how it’ll affect the most vulnerable, and whether anything will change
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

Don't forget to sign up to take part in the #NationsBiggestHousewarming this #FuelPovertyAwareness Day!

All funds raised will help to support people experiencing fuel poverty across the UK 💛

Find out more and sign up: tinyurl.com/yck6f5hn

UK Health Security Agency issue Cold Health Alert with most of England at Amber

Britons warned to expect ‘disappointing’ rise in energy bills in January Price cap for Great Britain forecast to rise to £1,736 a year for average dual-fuel bill, according to Cornwall Insights

Price cap reported likely to sustain at current levels, just as first winter yellow weather warning kicks in. Artic blast, unheated homes & unaffordable prices.

www.theguardian.com/money/2024/n...

1st day lurking on Bluesky, & it seems the energy folk are well settled in. Don't get me wrong, starter packs, respect & sane conversation are great, but so relieved that tribal football chatter is here as well.