Mike’s presentation will focus on the potential of high efficiency domestic gas boilers to combat fuel poverty, with 58% of those in fuel poverty living in social housing or the private rented sector, this is especially pertinent. He will also explore the psychological and physiological impacts of fuel poverty, detailing to the audience the scale of the issue and how it must become a priority for all those involved in housing, social or otherwise.

Mike Foster said:

‘Fuel poverty is endemic in the UK, impacting nearly 2.5 million households. Mortality rates associated with cold homes are extremely high – in 2013, cold housing killed over four times as many people as road and rail accidents, and with around 25,000 preventable, winter deaths each year (equating to more than 1,500 per day) this is an extensive issue.’

He added:

‘Further, we are becoming increasingly aware of the psychological effects of living in a cold home; depression, anxiety and social isolation are prevalent amongst the fuel poor. Studies show that a quarter of adolescents living in cold homes are at risk of multiple mental health problems, and those struggling to pay bills are four times more likely to suffer from depression. By ensuring householders have efficient boilers, we can go some way to addressing this issue. In addition, with the greening of the gas network, domestic heating can be kinder on the environment - it holds the key to reducing emissions and helping to lift families out of fuel poverty.’