A new way to measure fuel poverty has been proposed by the Government following the publication of an independent review in March.
Based on a framework published by Professor John Hills of the London School of Economics (LSE), the proposed measurement includes dual indicators that separate the number of people affected by fuel poverty from how badly the problem has impacted upon them.
In a written ministerial statement, energy and climate change secretary Edward Davey said: ‘ I believe that this is a better measure of the problem of fuel poverty than the indicator we are currently using because it will allow us to properly understand the problem, and therefore design effective solutions.’
Taking account of the new definition, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) may look to publish an updated fuel poverty target in 2013.
As the revised definition of fuel poverty is a relative one, Mr Davey said that a new Government target could need realignment away from one focussed on absolute eradication.
Ed Davey said: ‘With the number of people living in fuel poverty projected to rise, the time has come to go back to basics to ensure we are doing all we can. This means defining and measuring fuel poverty in the right way and working up a new fuel poverty strategy so that we can target our available resources where they are needed most.’
