New figures from the Warm This Winter campaign have found that almost half (47%) of those polled are worried about how they will stay warm this winter, with 46% worried that they may need to rely on the NHS this winter. [1]
Over 65s are the most concerned group with half (50%) worried about how they will stay warm and the same number of older people scared about needing to use the NHS in the colder months.
The figures come after data, released by the DWP to the House of Commons Select Committee on work and pensions, have shown thousands of pensioners will be pushed into poverty by the decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments.
Campaigners warn that the official statistics are likely an underestimate of the suffering caused by the decision. Those missing out on Winter Fuel Payments this year include 1.2m pensioners in absolute poverty and 1.6m disabled older people.
As part of the long term solution to cold damp homes, the Warm This Winter data shows that nearly three quarters (72%) of the public want the UK’s worst homes to be prioritised with a properly funded insulation and ventilation scheme.
But until the Government’s Warm Homes Plan is introduced, energy bills remain around 65% higher (c.£700 per average household) than in winter 2020/21 – a fourth winter of the energy bills crisis driven by our over reliance on expensive gas.
As the first cold snap of the 2024/25 winter hits home, data analysis by academics has found fuel poor households are using dangerously low amounts of energy during freezing weather.
This has also led to calls to reform the Cold Weather Payments so they are paid out when the Met Office predicts the temperature in the next 24 hours is likely to fall to -4C or below, rather than paid after a cold snap as is the case at present.
As well as short term measures to high energy bills, six out of 10 people actively support a fully-funded nationwide insulation and ventilation programme to create healthy, energy efficient homes that will also make bill payers less exposed to energy shocks.
Experts have calculated it could save households up to £400 on yearly energy bills.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said:
“The dangerous situation households will face this winter is becoming clearer – more people are likely to be living in cold damp homes which will put people in harm’s way.
“Fully funding support to insulate, ventilate and improve the heating in people’s homes is the fastest way to bring down energy bills for good.
“Households – and employers in the industry – need the reassurance that the Government will stick to its word and deliver the £13.2bn investment in the Warm Homes Plan that they promised during the election campaign.
“But home improvements on such a scale will take time to take effect and will be no comfort to those struggling this winter.
“That’s why it is so vital the ministers bring in more support for vulnerable households this winter and speed up plans to bring in a social tariff for next winter – a move that is backed by the vast majority of voters.”
Caroline Simpson, spokesperson for the Warm This Winter campaign said:
“The public have spoken. They want a comprehensive, funded, insulation and ventilation programme which prioritises the worst homes first.
“If the Government acts now and puts the right measures in place, it would be welcomed by the majority of people in the UK no matter how they voted in July. And as well as making healthier, happier homes, it would also bring down bills in the long term, which would protect us from the ongoing cycle of energy shocks.”
Support for a funded insulation and ventilation programme crosses party lines with 69% of those who intend to vote Labour, 65% of Liberal Democrats, 54% of Conservatives and 53% of Reform, backing a more comprehensive plan.
Jan Shortt, National Pensioners Convention (NPC) General Secretary said:
“Will the Chancellor now reconsider her decision and reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioners this year – or will she take responsibility for the risk to the health and welfare of those struggling to survive the cold without the allowance?
“Given that we already have freezing weather across the country, it is inevitable that those without the support of the Winter Fuel Payment will be suffering in cold homes – many afraid to turn the heating on at all.
“The NPC is concerned to learn that the wait for those applying for pension credit is extended to 10 weeks as the extra staff being brought into the DWP will not be trained until the new year. This delay will take those applicants who need their winter fuel payment now to at least February.
“We genuinely fear that some may not survive to see February and their delayed payment.”
ENDS
Opinium conducted an online survey of 2,014 nationally and politically representative UK adults between 7th and 8th October 2024
