Fuel poverty

The definition of fuel poverty is where a household needs to spend 10% or more of its disposable income on heating. This occurs when the home is hard to heat due to energy inefficiency and/or is under occupied. Low income is also a contributing factor.

To illustrate this point the average UK household spends 3.3% of income on energy whilst the poorest households spend 7% on average.

Under heating in a home carries many risks, the greatest being to the health of the occupants. The well being of the property itself should also be considered.

Fuel poverty is a big issue in Tower Hamlets, where many households are on low incomes and living in hard to heat homes.

The council has adopted an Affordable Warmth Policy in an attempt to assist fuel poor residents.

If you are concerned about this problem, or need direct assistance with heating, why not use our affordable warmth referral service? This provides a professional, one stop service that will:

• Survey your home for potential energy improvements
• Organise the work, via your landlord or by using grants you may be entitled to
• Check that you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to
• Check that you're not paying too much for your electricity/gas
• Provide you with tailored energy advice, based on your individual circumstances

Please call 020 7364 2521 for more information.

Room Temperature Effect on the Body

Below 16°C (61°F) - Reduced resistance to respiratory infection.
Below 12°C (52°F) - Increase in blood pressure and blood thickness. Risk of circulatory and heart disease, can be fatal.
Below 9°C (47°F) - After two hours, deep body temperature falls leading to hypothermia, can be fatal.