New data from the Warm This Winter campaign reveals that nearly half of those polled (47%) are worried about keeping warm this winter, while 46% fear they may have to rely on the NHS due to cold-related health issues. The findings underscore growing concerns, especially among older populations, as energy costs remain high and government support falls short.
The data highlights that over-65s are disproportionately affected, with half (50%) worried about staying warm and an equal percentage concerned about needing NHS care during the colder months. This follows figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which show that thousands of pensioners could be pushed into poverty due to the removal of Winter Fuel Payments.
Advocacy groups warn the impact could be even worse than official statistics suggest. Those missing out on Winter Fuel Payments include 1.2 million pensioners in absolute poverty and 1.6 million disabled older adults. Alarming estimates suggest 752,000 older people may not use heating at all this winter, while four-fifths of older adults with long-term health conditions or disabilities will lose support for energy bills.
The Warm This Winter campaign is advocating for a comprehensive, government-funded insulation and ventilation programme to address the root causes of energy inefficiency. Their research found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of the public support prioritizing the UK’s worst-performing homes. Experts say such measures could save households up to £400 annually on energy bills and reduce reliance on expensive gas.
Simon Francis, coordinator for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, stressed the urgency of tackling the crisis: “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.”
Despite the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, which promises £13.2 billion in investment, campaigners warn it will take time to see results. In the meantime, they urge ministers to offer immediate support for vulnerable households and expedite plans for a social energy tariff by next winter.
Support for a national insulation programme spans political affiliations, with backing from 69% of Labour voters, 65% of Liberal Democrats, and 54% of Conservatives. Caroline Simpson, spokesperson for Warm This Winter, emphasized the public’s demand for action: “The public have spoken. They want a comprehensive, funded insulation and ventilation programme that 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.”
Jan Shortt, General Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, criticized the delay in reinstating Winter Fuel Payments and warned of dire consequences: “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.
“We are also 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.”
As fuel-poor households continue to use dangerously low amounts of energy during freezing weather, campaigners are also pushing for reforms to Cold Weather Payments. They propose payments be made proactively when the Met Office predicts freezing temperatures, rather than waiting until after cold snaps.
While immediate measures are crucial, advocates stress the need for long-term solutions to break the cycle of energy poverty. With public support for comprehensive action, the pressure mounts on the government to deliver effective relief for vulnerable households.
