In comparison with national levels, fuel poverty rates were significantly higher among the population of Liverpool, with an average of 12.7% of household income spent on energy, rising to 17% among low-income households. This was symptomatic of a higher level of poverty in general in the city, and fuel poverty was more extensive among households experiencing general financial difficulties. The households scoring highest included social housing tenants, end-of-terrace homes, residents with long-term illnesses and/or disabilities, carers, occupants out of work, claiming Income Support and/or with a weekly income of less than £150, lone parents and large families. The Index indicated that lone parents and large families were particularly disadvantaged.

While older people in the survey generally had lower incomes, they had lower fuel expenditure and were less likely to accrue arrears; consequently, they scored lower on the Index, but the report concluded they were still at risk because of higher energy use. The use of prepayment meters was the prevalent option for many of these groups. Dependence on budget schemes and emergency credit facilities was routine, and disconnection was common. Households experiencing fuel poverty were spending more on their energy than those not in such circumstances, despite lower incomes. A robust correlation between poor physical condition of a property and living in fuel poverty was discerned.