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April
Mayor's warning over energy poverty in town
15/02/2021 @ 09:05
Newtown's mayor has warned that many people in Newtown town already living in poverty will be his harder by impending fuel cost rises during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cllr David Selby joined Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate, Alison Alexander, in raising concerns.
Ofgem warned last week that energy prices will be going up and millions in the UK will be affected.
David said: “The lush countryside of Powys is perhaps not the first place a visitor may associate with poverty, and yet it continues to blight our communities, often in a way that’s hidden from public view.
"This has become especially concerning throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many families have begun to experience significant financial problems, often for the first time. One of the areas this seems to be most prevalent in is that of energy costs."
Cllr Selby said that with more people working from home as a result of Covid-19, or on furlough, they were using more energy.
“With most people working and studying from home and having to spend more money on heating through the winter, particularly during the latest cold snap, there is a real danger many people’s income is being stretched to the limit. Usually, employers and educational providers would cover these costs for a significant portion of the day/week.
“This is further compounded by many people either having lost their jobs or having had their income levels reduced as a result of COVID. A large number of people are having difficulties making ends meet, many for the first time."
Alison Alexander said: “While these developments are putting pressure on households across the board, I’m particularly concerned about groups that could be more vulnerable to the impacts. People on the lowest incomes and in low-quality housing are likely to be hit the hardest.
"Poorly insulated homes cost around £50 a month more to heat than a well-built home. The elderly are also at particular risk with an estimated 12,000 people dying each year from health conditions arising or worsening from having a cold home. A rise in fuel poverty could see an increase in the cases of pneumonia and similar illnesses, which is devastating for families and adds yet more stress to the NHS."
Cllr David Selby joined Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate, Alison Alexander, in raising concerns.Ofgem warned last week that energy prices will be going up and millions in the UK will be affected.
David said: “The lush countryside of Powys is perhaps not the first place a visitor may associate with poverty, and yet it continues to blight our communities, often in a way that’s hidden from public view.
"This has become especially concerning throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many families have begun to experience significant financial problems, often for the first time. One of the areas this seems to be most prevalent in is that of energy costs."
Cllr Selby said that with more people working from home as a result of Covid-19, or on furlough, they were using more energy.
“With most people working and studying from home and having to spend more money on heating through the winter, particularly during the latest cold snap, there is a real danger many people’s income is being stretched to the limit. Usually, employers and educational providers would cover these costs for a significant portion of the day/week.
“This is further compounded by many people either having lost their jobs or having had their income levels reduced as a result of COVID. A large number of people are having difficulties making ends meet, many for the first time."
Alison Alexander said: “While these developments are putting pressure on households across the board, I’m particularly concerned about groups that could be more vulnerable to the impacts. People on the lowest incomes and in low-quality housing are likely to be hit the hardest.
"Poorly insulated homes cost around £50 a month more to heat than a well-built home. The elderly are also at particular risk with an estimated 12,000 people dying each year from health conditions arising or worsening from having a cold home. A rise in fuel poverty could see an increase in the cases of pneumonia and similar illnesses, which is devastating for families and adds yet more stress to the NHS."
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