Fuel Poverty and Health: A Guide for Primary Care Organisations and Public Health and Primary Care Professionals

Author:

Vivienne Press

Organisation:

Co-funded by the Faculty of Public Health Medicine

the Health Development Agency

Help the Aged and the Met Office

Date: 2003
Location:

England

Rationale

Frontline health professionals often deal with the outcomes of poor housing conditions in their daily work. This contact also means they are well placed to offer assistance to residents on how they can access appropriate advice and opportunities such as grants or relevant payments.

The publication of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy in 2001 set new minimum standards for housing, which include health measures and new duties of partnership between local councils and health authorities to create an environment where coordinated approaches can thrive. However, without clear guidance on how to deliver this strategy effectively, it may fall short of its potential.

Key research Question

The aim was to create a good practice guide for strategic housing and health professionals to help them devise joint plans for tackling fuel poverty.

Summary of activity

The toolkit includes a detailed discussion of the links between fuel poverty, cold homes and health. Case studies of best practice are included throughout. Advice on measures for alleviating fuel poverty and the relative contributions of different measures is featured, as are details of the main government grants available at the time. Extensive guidance on constructing a local fuel poverty strategy is provided, with samples of promotional resources and lists of agencies working in the fields of energy efficiency, health and social care and advice services, as well as links to other toolkits and useful publications.