More than 4,000 homes in Hyndburn are in fuel poverty, according to a new report.
Shocking figures revealed by Hyndburn council have shown that more than 13 per cent of households are in fuel poverty, compared to an average of 10.8 per cent across Lancashire. A household is said to be in fuel poverty when they cannot afford to keep adequately warm at reasonable cost, given their income.
The Home Energy Conservation Act report also revealed that more than 1,500 homes across the borough lack central heating, making it the third worst in the county and 19th worst nationwide.
The council launched its own ‘Warm Homes Hyndburn’ scheme in November 2013 to help households cut their energy bills and received £96,000 in Energy Companies Obligation funding thanks to a partnership with Homewise and Dyson Energy Services.
Nearly 200 energy efficiency measures have been installed across the public and private sector.
Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “We need to do more as an authority to support people in this issue.
“Also, when you think about it, we have a lot of elderly people living in Hyndburn and it makes the situation even more difficult as they need to keep themselves warm. “We need to look at what forms of support are available.”
Coun Clare Cleary, cabinet member for housing, said: “Hyndburn has some of the oldest housing stock in the country and with a greater proportion of stone built terraced housing than almost anywhere else in the country, this makes it very difficult to insulate and therefore reduce energy costs. In the circumstances, it is not surprising we find households in fuel poverty, especially those households on low incomes.
“However, Hyndburn council is working closely with its partners Homewise, Dyson Energy Services and Community Switch as part of the ‘Warm Homes Hyndburn’ initiative to assist in tackling fuel poverty in the borough.
“This scheme assists households to access funding to make their homes warmer.”
