FUEL POVERTY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND THE HEALTHIER HOMES PROJECT PRESENTED BY JUSTINE DORNAN OF BI-BOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

What is Fuel Poverty Fuel Poverty refers to a household that cannot afford to heat its home to an adequate standard of warmth and meet its other energy needs, in order to maintain health and wellbeing Current definitions – the Low income, high cost indicator is the official fuel poverty indicator and a household is fuel poor if its energy costs are above the average for its household type and this expenditure pushes it below the poverty line. This indicator does not use actual costs but average costs which means that households who cannot afford to use their heating do not distort the figures. The older method of calculation indicated that you were at risk of fuel poverty if your expenditure on energy bills exceeded 10% of income. This was much easier for the average person to calculate.

Fuel Poverty The main causes of fuel poverty are The energy efficiency of the property Energy costs Household income Energy efficiency –the relative efficiency of the heating method. Insulation of the property Energy costs – the type of fuel and the chosen tariff Income Unemployed households have the highest rate of FP – up to 30% in fuel poverty

Who are the Fuel Poor Traditionally the elderly Latest Govt Fuel Poverty Strategy states that 45% of those deemed fuel poor are families with dependent children. Energy Bill Revolution estimate that at the start of 2014 there were up to 2.23 million children living in fuel poor homes. People living with disability – are more likely to be spending long periods of time in the home and needing to heat it more. Under the new definition a typical fuel poor household will have an annual income of less than £9330 ( after tax and housing costs) and their fuel bill will be 20% higher than average £1500+ Elderly are amongst the most vulnerable but also receive most support. Families with young children suffering from changes to Universal Credit and proposed future tax credit changes.

Fuel Poverty in the Bi-Borough Area Current Official Rates of Fuel Poverty London 10.6% RBKC 14.3% This represents 11,274 residents. Fuel Poverty Rates can be up to 4 times higher in some areas of the borough than others.

Health Effects of Fuel Poverty Excess Winter Deaths These are not all due to living in cold homes Underlying causes of death include Respiratory Disease 54.1% Circulatory Disease 18.4% Dementia/Alzheimers 37.1%

Health Effects of Cold Homes Mortality rates rise with every 1 degree drop in temperature. The rate of rise is almost 3x higher in cold homes. Lowered resistance to respiratory infections. Increased blood pressure and risk of heart attacks and strokes Worsening arthritis . Cold homes more likely to be damp – leads to growth of mould and fungi that cause allergies and resp infections. Also increases liklihood of asthma.

Other Effects of Fuel Poverty Depression and Stress Social Isolation Increased accidents in the home Poor Nutrition leading to increased risk of poor health Depression/stress caused by being unable to heat home or from bills resulting from trying to heat home.

Fuel Poverty effects on Children A serious threat to life chances An estimated .2.2 million children in fuel poverty Twice as likely to suffer from respiratory problems Impacts on school performance and emotional well being Financial Hardship Significant effects on the physical health of the young were evident, especially in terms of infants’ weight gain, hospital admission rates, and caregiver-rated developmental status, as well as self-reported reduction in the severity and frequency of children’s asthmatic symptoms.A quarter of adolescents at risk of multiple mental health problems 1/20 in warm homes. Save the children survey 50% of parents from low income families Netmums survey 25% of families have had to choose between heating and eating.

The Healthier Homes Project Funded by Tri-borough Public Health with the aim of reducing hospital admissions and GP visits. To reduce fuel poverty and accidents in the home. Single point of contact following the recent NICE Guidance on Excess Winter Deaths Emergency Heating Offer grants to install, extend or repair heating systems. Offer fuel debt advice and income maximisation. .

The Healthier Homes Project Provide tariff and switching advice Grants to remove hazards in the home A dedicated environmental health enforcement officer Engaging the NHS Work with third sector partners to provide a range of support services Home Energy Efficiency visits and accident prevention visits. Referrals for additional support within the council Training for professionals and third sector

Contact Us! Healthierhomes@rbkc.gov.uk 0808 202 6204