Fuel poverty remains a daily challenge for many in the UK, and the latest statistics show that the problem is increasing. Sustainability charity Severn Wye last week launched a new community-based service to support Ceredigion residents experiencing fuel poverty and struggling with their energy use.
Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion Preseli, and local councillors attended the event in Aberystwyth, together with representatives from the frontline support organisations that will be working with Severn Wye to bring the service to people in need across the region.
Above, left to right: Severn Wye Director for Wales Dave Gittins; Ben Lake MP Ceredigion Preseli; Severn Wye CEO Sandy Ruthven MBE; Plaid Cymru Cllr Catrin Davies, Plaid Cymru Cllr Keith Henson, and Severn Wye Communities Manager Victoria Bancroft.
Free help with home energy
Severn Wye works across Wales and the English border counties towards both the basic human needs of warmth, good health, and a safe home now, and promoting energy efficiency and low-carbon energy for the future.
Their new services places expert advisers at the heart of the Ceredigion community. They will be helping residents with domestic energy issues, giving practical energy-saving advice and helping those in crisis with unaffordable bills or no heat. Support is available over the phone or 1:1 at pop-up information events, arranged appointments, or free home visits. Their advisers can also speak to energy suppliers on customers’ behalf to resolve issues with meters, bills, and repayment plans.
Severn Wye’s strong links with other frontline services means their advisers can refer clients to partner organisations if they need support beyond energy.
What is fuel poverty?
In Wales, fuel poverty is officially defined as having to spend more than 10% of household income to heat the home.
Fuel poverty typically affects people with lower incomes, those living in older housing, people with limited mobility and/or specific medical needs, but as people struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, it is starting to affect a much wider swathe of society.
The health impacts of a cold home can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Infants under five living in cold conditions have a 30% greater risk of admission to hospital or primary care and are one-and-a-half to three times more likely to develop symptoms of asthma. They are also more likely to experience negative impacts on their educational development – a key predictor of long-term health and longevity.
Impacts in Wales
In Wales, the poor and older housing stock also takes its toll as these properties are typically less energy efficient. A survey of Welsh Housing Conditions in 2017–18 recorded over 50% of all homes built before 1980 being in fuel poverty compared to just 6% of those built later.
And in Ceredigion … 2020 government figures estimated that 72% of homes in Ceredigion had an EPC rating of D or below and nearly 75%* of homes were off-mains gas – that’s against an already high national (Welsh) average of 19%.
*How are cost of living pressures affecting rural communities?
Getting help
Residents of Ceredigion can access the community-based service by calling 0800 170 1600 or emailing communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk
Further information and a contact form are available on Severn Wye’s Advice and Support page.
