1. Annual update on Fuel Poverty and Health December 2009 Helen McAvoy and Christine Liddell

2. Overview This paper follows on from the All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty & Health and 2008 Update. The paper highlights key developments in fuel poverty policy, research and economics and the activities of the statutory and community sectors on the island of Ireland in 2009. The paper includes analysis by Christine Liddell of EU-SILC 2007 describing the relationship between fuel poverty and health.

3. Data Special Payment Arrangements operated by the ESB increased from 49,000 in 2008 to 78,000 in 2009. Winter 2008/2009 confirmed by Met Eireann as coldest in 8 years. 146,547 Irish households in fuel poverty based on EU-SILC 2007.

4. Key points Increasing body of knowledge to show the impact of fuel poverty on health across the life course. Opportunities presented by smart metering and sustainable technologies. Economic downturn presenting a formidable challenge. Success in area on increased benefit uptake in Northern Ireland.

5. Key points Standards of rental accommodation an important intervention point. Progress on improved energy efficiency in the residential sector, but need to focus on fuel poor.