Wednesday 30 January 2013

Fuel poverty on the rise in the capital, new report warns



13 MARCH 2012
Fuel poverty affects almost a fifth[1] of London households and contributed to 2,500 excess winter deaths last year[2] - and the problem is getting worse, a London Assembly report warns today. 
‘In from the cold’ by the Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee says despite efforts by the government, the Mayor and a range of targeted initiatives and incentives, the number of households affected by fuel poverty increased by more than 19 per cent in just one year[3].  
The report warns that unless concerted and effective action is taken to tackle the issue, long term energy price rises will continue to push more people into fuel poverty.  The Greater London Authority’s own projections[4] show a worst case scenario where almost a quarter of households will be in fuel poverty by next year.
People in fuel poverty spend a disproportionate amount[5] of their income on energy for heating, lighting, and cooking in their homes.  Cold homes contribute to serious health problems like pneumonia and heart attacks and cost the NHS an estimated £859 million per year. 

http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_london_assembly/fuel-poverty-rise-capital-new-report-warns

Helping households to cut their energy bills

Rising energy prices are affecting many households. The government can’t control unpredictable global energy prices but we can help households keep their energy bills as low as possible, support those most in need and take action to help secure energy supplies in the long term.

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/helping-households-to-cut-their-energy-bills


London: Residents in fuel poverty to receive council help

http://www.london24.com/news/health/residents_in_fuel_poverty_to_receive_council_help_1_1796920

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Mental health problems are extremely common across society, with one in four of us experiencing them in any year. Despite being so common, people from all communities will still experience discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that can prevent people from speaking out, seeking support and playing full and active roles in our communities. The impact of mental health stigma and discrimination will vary between communities as mental health has a cultural context that affects the way communities talk about the subject and engage with people who have mental health problems. In some cultures depression, for example, doesn't exist and in others an experience of a mental health problem can be attached to a sense of shame.

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