Press Release
Government measures to tackle fuel poverty “a short-term fix”, says CIEH
30 May 2008
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) today welcomed measures by the Government to tackle fuel poverty, but warned that they did not go far enough and fail in particular to address long-term problems associated with vulnerable people living in sub-standard housing.
John Bryson of the CIEH, said:
“While we are encouraged by Government measures to share information with the fuel companies about customers who are having difficulty paying their bills, the CIEH feels the chances of achieving real long-term improvements cannot be achieved unless more action is taken to ensure that more housing meets the decency standard.
“According to the English House Condition Survey 2006 there are 3.4 million non decent homes in the private sector of which 1.4 million are occupied by vulnerable households and half of those live in homes that fail to provide and adequate level of thermal comfort. At the same time there were 25,700 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2005/6.[1]
“We are very concerned about the impact these energy price increases will have on some of the most vulnerable groups in society including the elderly, people with disabilities and families with young children. People on small and fixed incomes will struggle to keep warm and healthy this winter.
“The links between cold, damp homes and poor health have long been recognised and fuel poverty presents a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people.
“Environmental health practitioners (EHPs) working in local authorities across the UK play and an important role in combating the effects of fuel poverty. A recent survey by the CIEH indicated that levels of enforcement activity among EHPs had risen under the Housing Health and Safety Rating system (HHSRS), part of which allows EHPs to force landlords of private rented accommodation to improve energy efficiency and standards.
“The CIEH will continue to work with like minded organisations to alleviate poor housing conditions and, in particular, to address the serious problem of fuel poverty."
[1] Department of Health, Regional Public Health Group, Fact Sheet Health And Winter Warmth: Reducing Health Inequalities, Regional Public Health Group in the South East, November 2007
Latest Press Releases
- Delay decision on Scores on the Doors CIEH tells the FSA
- CIEH lobbies Minister to prevent Planning Bill blunder
- Pest problem to worsen without clear action
- Painter fined for smoking in van admitted he broke the law
- CIEH gives muted welcome over Defra contaminated land conclusions
- Condition of private housing stock a national disgrace says CIEH
- Rapid spread of Lyme disease threatens public health
- Why emerging public health problems from pests need to be addressed
- Government measures to tackle fuel poverty “a short-term fix”, says CIEH
- Sunbed restrictions disappointing says CIEH
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
