Fuel Poverty in Birmingham

Phil BeardmoreEnvironmental Consultant

The scale of fuel poverty in Birmingham

www.fuelpovertyindicator.org.uk (2003 figures) :

• Moseley and Kings Heath, 6.98% • Sparkbrook/Sparkhill, 8.18%• Handsworth, 10.25%• Sutton New Hall, 4.98%Self-reported fuel poverty in Kings Heath – 15%CAB report 82% increase in enquiries about fuel

debt 2006-2009

Issues for Birmingham

• Hard to treat homes• Solid walls• Cavities too narrow to

insulate• Consumer habits

Fuel poverty and health inequalities

• Chronic cold and damp related medical conditions

• Excess winter deaths

• A moving target

Year Number of excess deaths

2004-5 29,740

2005-6 23,740

2006-7 22,380

2007-8 23,800

A Factor Four approach

• Energy performance of buildings the most important factor in fuel poverty

• Others include awareness and behaviour, payment methods

• Multiple solutions are required: energy efficiency/renewable energy; energy advice; money advice; payment facilities

Action in Birmingham

• Birmingham Affordable Warmth Strategy• HECA and Decent Homes work• Warm Zones• Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)• Birmingham Energy Savers Phase 1 and 2• Birmingham Green Doctor• Income Maximisation project

Cross-sectoral working

• Public, private and voluntary sectors all have a role to play

• Need to adapt to each other’s working cultures

Thank you for listening

Phil Beardmorewww.philbeardmore.co.uk

www.twitter.com/philbeardmore