Affordable warmth

Affordable warmth is achieved when a home can be adequately heated within 10% of the household's income. A home with adequate heating and insulation will cost less to heat and is less prone to damp and condensation and the associated maintenance costs.

Fuel poverty
Fuel poverty occurs when a household spends more than 10% of its income to adequately heat the home. There are around three million households in fuel poverty in England and over 3000 households at risk in Telford and Wrekin alone. This figure is also on the increase due to rising fuel prices.

There are many causes of fuel poverty including low household income, poor insulation standards, inefficient or expensive heating systems and under occupancy. Vulnerable groups tend to be older people living alone, lone parents with young children and those with long term illnesses.

The links between cold, damp homes and ill health
People's inability to heat their homes adequately has a direct impact on their health. Cold, damp homes, which are inadequately heated, contribute to preventable illness amongst the most vulnerable people in society. This is a huge burden for families, local communities, the NHS and associated services, but importantly the people affected.

People living in cold and damp conditions also tend to be more susceptible to a range of common illnesses such as colds and flu, with elderly people and young children being particularly at risk.