All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health December 2007 Helen McAvoy

Overview Fuel poverty has important direct and indirect effects on population health and contributes to health inequalities. This paper presents all island information on: –prevalence and trends in fuel poverty –vulnerable households –fuel prices –consequences of fuel poverty –social assistance schemes –policy landscape.

Key findings Levels of fuel poverty on the island are unacceptably high. Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland have high levels of excess winter mortality compared to similar European countries. Single person households and households headed by lone parents and pensioners are at particular risk.

Policy implications This paper identifies the need for: –strong interdepartmental government-led strategic approaches to tackle fuel poverty –harmonisation of fuel poverty and climate change policies –development of information and knowledge –regular monitoring and reporting –focus on improving energy efficiency of low income households.