WIREDGOV

The Government’s call for suppliers to reflect lower fuel costs in consumers' bills is a welcome step in helping tackle fuel poverty. High fuel prices hit rural areas hardest, particularly in lower-income households, where 50% of income goes on essentials including fuel costs.

Rural people have to rely more on oil or bottled gas for heating but costs have doubled over the past year. 42% of rural homes are not connected to mains gas so ‘dual fuel’ discounts are not available to many rural residents.

A third of homes in rural areas have solid walls compared with 26% in urban areas. These cost more to insulate but just 10% of Warm Front grants go to rural areas. Pension credit is a key eligibility criterion for grants but our State of the Countryside Update shows 250,000 eligible pensioners in rural areas aren’t claiming pension credit.

We're continuing our work to highlight and help improve the situation. We're hosting the Rural Financial Inclusion Champion, one of DWP's Financial Inclusion Champions, helping people who are disadvantaged by lack of access to financial services.