‘The direct consequences of fuel poverty are dreadful for families and can lead to tragic outcomes’-Figures reveal 17% of households across Dagenham and Rainham are in fuel poverty.

The charity reports that nationally the number of households now in fuel poverty has jumped to 6.5 million, 2 million more than when the energy crisis first bit in October 2021.

National Energy Action, the fuel poverty charity, has been in contact with Margaret Mullane, Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham and Rainham, on the issue of fuel poverty levels in the constituency. The figures reveal that an estimated 17% of all households in Dagenham and Rainham are in fuel poverty, which is defined as having to spend more than 10% of net household income after paying rent or mortgage, to keep the home at a reasonable temperature.

The charity reports that nationally the number of households now in fuel poverty has jumped to 6.5 million, 2 million more than when the energy crisis first bit in October 2021.

Margaret told the Havering Daily: “In 2021 before the energy crisis took hold there were 5,307 households in Dagenham and Rainham living on a low income in an energy inefficient home, that’s 12% of all households. That figure is shocking enough, but today’s estimate is that there are 7,642 households in fuel poverty locally, a staggering 44% increase.

The direct consequences of fuel poverty are dreadful for families and can lead to tragic outcomes. In the winter of 2020/21 there were 150 so called excess deaths in Dagenham and Rainham with 45 of these directly attributable to living in a cold home. During winter last year across the UK 4,950 excess deaths were down to people living in cold and damp homes.”

Margaret added: “National Energy Action has estimated that 19 million go to bed early to save on heating and over 5 million use their ovens to stay warm rather than have the central heating on. 

When you consider this and look at the state of the NHS and the fact that many councils are close to the brink of collapse, the clear conclusion is that this Tory Government has brought about a broken Britain. It really doesn’t have to be this way,we are the 6th wealthiest nation on earth but for the majority of the population it doesn’t feel like that. We need action from a new government with changed priorities that will work for the majority, not just the money men of the City of London.”

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