68% of Londoners cut back on heating as bills soar

Fuel poverty

A report published today (Friday) found that 68% of Londoners have cut back on heating their homes as energy bills continue to soar, the report surveyed over 2,000 people across the capital. The report, London Cost of Living: Cold Homes, also found that 63% of over 65s have cut back on heating. The report, written by Murad Qureshi, London Assembly Labour Group Environment spokesperson, calls on the Mayor to take action and help Londoners by: 

  • Setting up a Home Energy Advice Team, which would be a single point of contact for people needing help or assistance with fuel bills, insulation and energy efficiency, and; 
  • Establishing a de-centralised energy research project to look at setting up energy cooperatives across London. 

The report also received evidence that people have returned food to food banks as they have not been able to afford to cook it. 

Speaking ahead of the report’s publication its author, Murad Qureshi, London Assembly Labour Group Environment Spokesperson, said:

“Today’s report highlights the scale of the energy crisis facing Londoners, over two-thirds of people surveyed said they have cut back on heating their homes due to increasing bills. Gas and electricity prices continue to rise above inflation putting further pressure on household finances. In London this is made worse by the already higher cost of living, adding to the strain. 

“I am calling on the Mayor to help struggling Londoners by setting up a single point of contact where people can get help and advice on energy efficiency and their bills. This will help people get the best deal and save money on their bills. He also needs to establish a research project to kick-start de-centralised energy production across London. This will help foster competition and get Londoners a better deal.” 

Ends

Notes 

  1. Murad Qureshi is a Labour member of the London Assembly. 
  2. A copy of the report Cold Homes is attached.

3 thoughts on “68% of Londoners cut back on heating as bills soar

  1. Pingback: Vulnerable Londoners Cutting Back On Energy Use | Londonist

  2. Marie

    I am one of those people in Barnet in the same situation. My husband has passed away shortly and he did get some help because over 70 – I am below the age of retirement and get no help. I am only receiving Job Seakers Allowance. But the fact that there is NO EFFECTIVE insulation in my flat, makes the things worse – enegy bills are very high, resulting that there is draft and the bedroom has always been icy cold. If i turn off the heating the heating disappears quite immediately. The insulation that the council contractors undertook ihas not achievied the purpose that it supposed to ido in the first place. Waste of money if you ask me.

    Reply
    1. Murad

      I am sorry to hear about this all Marie. Do you want me to get in touch with your local councillors or even MP approach the Estate office about the insulation not being good enough in your flat?

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *