Living in Wales 2008: Fuel Poverty

This Statistical Release provides analysis of the 2008 Living in Wales household and property data relating to the topic of fuel poverty.  Statistics for fuel poverty amongst households which are most vulnerable to the effects of fuel poverty are also shown, as are statistics for the severity of fuel poverty.

Key points show:

• In 2008, 332,000 households in Wales were estimated to be fuel poor. This is equivalent to 26 per cent of all households. This is an increase of 198,000 households, or 15 percentage points, since 2004. This increase may reflect the impact of rising fuel prices over this period.
• In 2008, 29 per cent of vulnerable households were estimated to be fuel poor. This was approximately 285,000 households, an increase of 172,000 households and 17 percentage points.
• One in five households with dependent children were estimated to be fuel poor. This is equivalent to 70,000 households in 2008 and is an increase of 51,000 households since 2004.
• Of the households that were fuel poor, one in five would be required to spend more than 20 per cent of their income on fuel use. Around 50 per cent of non-fuel poor households would be required to spend between five and ten per cent of their income on fuel use. This means that approximately 530,000 households in Wales could move into fuel poverty if energy prices continue to rise.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 5055
E-mail: stats.housing@wales.gsi.gov.uk

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