Citizens Advice response to Professor Hills’ interim review of fuel poverty
19 October 2011
Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:
"It’s horrifying that so many people are dying each year because they can’t afford to heat their home. Professor Hills is right to stick by the current principle that someone is in fuel poverty if they are on a low income in a home that is expensive to heat because it focuses attention on the right people. Today’s report is yet another reminder that fuel bills just have to come down."
Advice
- If you are in fuel debt or worried about how to pay you energy bill you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. We can help you make sure you're on the cheapest deal that your supplier provides, look at whether you would be better off switching suppliers, and advise on the help available for making your home more energy efficient.
- If you're on a low income, you may be able to get a cold weather payment to help with your fuel costs during periods of cold weather.
- If you're receiving the guarantee part of Pension Credit, you may get £120 off your bills this winter. Older people will also get Winter Fuel Payments as usual.
- The Energy Best Deal scheme, run by Citizens Advice and Ofgem, has produced six videos to help people cut with their fuel bills including shopping around and what to do if you’re struggling to pay.
- You should make sure you're getting all the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to.
Citizens Advice
Notes to editors
- The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
- Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
- Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.
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