National Energy Action estimates that the number of UK households in fuel poverty following the April price cap rise increased by 2 million, from 4.5 million to 6.5 million, an increase of more than 50% in just over six months. This means that almost a quarter of all UK households are in fuel poverty.

More households in fuel poverty means more households falling into debt, more households cutting back on other essentials. It means more households rationing their heating to unhealthy levels. We are seeing more demand for our energy advice and income maximisation services. Were seeing more examples of struggling households resorting to coping strategies such as only heating one room, wearing coats indoors and using public places such as libraries to stay warm.

Withyour help, in supporting Team NEA through a donation, we can continue to help people like John, who 'lived alone in what was described by his social worker as "an unsafe and freezing cold environment". He had been hard to engage with and felt isolated after being stuck at home for so long. The social worker noticed, when they entered his home, that it was very cold. John was wearing a coat and a housecoat indoors to keep warm. He would also sleep downstairs on a chair with a duvet.

His phoneline and telecare were not working, along with his gas. There was no food in his cupboards either, he was living off a few packets of noodles which he had left. As well as arranging for a number of support measures, his social worker referred him to NEA and we were able to arrange for a new central heating system including asbestos removal to be installed free of charge, making his home warmer and safer.