Reacting to new research on fuel poverty by uSwitch, Kate Jopling, Head of Public Affairs at Help the Aged, says:
“Fuel poverty has been escalating out of control for some time and as this research shows, pensioners are most likely to suffer. In this day and age it is outrageous that millions of older people are forced to make decisions between heating their home and eating a hot meal.
“Parliament set targets for eradicating fuel poverty in 2000 - but sadly for older people living their lives in misery, these are going to be missed. Even if there are significant falls in energy prices, it is unlikely older people will feel the benefit.
“To tackle fuel poverty in the short and longer term, the Government must develop a properly funded programme which simultaneously addresses the challenges of fuel poverty and climate change.”