Energy bills for poorest have risen at twice the average UK rate, research shows
In one of two stories this week, notwithstanding falling oil prices, a recent report has indicated that a number of communities still face a significant challenge in terms of rising energy costs as a proportion of their income, this is clearly an issue for the less well heeled in rural communities. The article tells us:
The research found that the lowest 10 per cent of households on the income scale saw their electricity bills rise by 39.7 per cent between 2010 and 2013, compared to 7.5 per cent for the top 10 per cent and an average of 22.2 per cent.
The gas bills of the poorest group increased by 53.3 per cent, compared to 23.9 per cent for the top 10 per cent and 29.2 per cent for the average household.
Campaigners say people in “fuel poverty”, defined as spending more than 10 per cent of their household income on fuel, are more likely to live in privately rented than privately owned or public housing, which are better insulated.