Fuel Poverty in Birmingham Phil Beardmore Environmental Consultant
The scale of fuel poverty in Birmingham (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
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 YearNumber of excess deaths , , , ,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 Beardmore