Half of homes in Cherwell have poor energy efficiency ratings

The latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy estimate there were around 3.2 million English households in fuel poverty in 2020 – including 4,826 in Cherwell.

Separate figures from the charity Friends of the earth show, as of August, 17 per cent of dwellings in Cherwell did not have their lofts insulated, and 12 per cent were without cavity wall insulation – equivalent to 11,200 and 8,400 homes respectively.

Prime Minister Liz Truss announced that energy bills will be frozen at no more than £2,500 a year for all homes in England, Scotland and Wales, as part of a package of support aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

However, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaign group said the new measures would be an “expensive sticking plaster” if they were not accompanied by longer-term investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Analysis of energy efficiency ratings by the Office of National Statistics shows 49% of houses had a ranking of D or below as of March 2021 – the latest figures – meaning they are likely to be worse impacted by the rising cost of fuel.

Read more: Cherwell councillors, mayors and religious leaders pay tribute to Queen 

Energy Performance Certificates show how effective a home is at keeping heat in – with ratings from A, the most efficient, to G, the least, meaning residents have to spend more on energy bills to keep their homes warm.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that 6.9 million households across the UK will suffer fuel poverty this winter, even after the new price guarantee – including around 5.3 million households in England.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, called the PM's announcement "good news", but warned more must be done for those most in need.

He said: "The new Government must not forget that the most vulnerable need targeted support.

"Those who use more energy in their homes because of medical conditions, those who are elderly and those on very low incomes need extra help, so they don’t have to ration their usage, putting their physical and mental health at risk."

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, said the plan "does not come cheap" and criticised Ms Truss for funding it through increased Government borrowing, rather than a one-off tax on energy companies.

The Prime Minister said it was a "moment to be bold".

She added: “We are facing a global energy crisis and there are no cost-free options.”

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is set to provide more details in an announcement later this month.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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