AN ICE sculpture of two terraced homes has been unveiled – shining a spotlight on the millions of people living in fuel poverty across the UK.
The installation design symbolises households left ‘frozen’ by the harsh reality of rising energy costs, many of whom will feel the chill this winter despite any forecast changes to today’s energy price cap.
It is part of a campaign by Skipton Building Society, Age UK and National Energy Action to highlight the growing crisis facing households.
Sylvia Stoianova, programme director from the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database, said: “We’re seeing growing inequalities in people’s ability to heat their homes – leaving both older people and the very young exposed to unsafe living conditions.
“Ensuring warm, dry homes isn’t just about comfort, it’s a life-saving necessity, and urgent action is needed to address these inequalities.
“Cold homes are linked to a range of serious health issues in babies and children, including low birthweight, preterm birth, delayed development and increased hospital admissions.
“Our report found deprivation is closely tied to higher child mortality – with more than one in five deaths potentially avoidable if deprivation-related factors were addressed.
“Lack of heating can also lead to damp and mould, which trigger respiratory problems and worsen asthma outcomes.
“Evidence from child death reviews shows these environmental factors have directly contributed to children’s ill health and, in some cases, their deaths.
“On average, one child dies from asthma every month in England.
“And fuel poverty forces many families into impossible choices between warmth and other essential needs – causing avoidable suffering and, at times, loss of life.”
Measuring three metres wide and one and a half metres tall, the sculpture was displayed in London’s Borough Yards to capture the attention of passers-by.
As part of the campaign, 1,500 adults aged 65 and over were surveyed, which found 42 per cent are worried about the winter – with the cost of heating and energy bills topping their list of concerns (86 per cent).
The overall cost of living (76 per cent) and homes not being warm enough (58 per cent) are among other leading worries for the elderly.
More than half (56 per cent) expect the cost of energy to put significant pressure on their finances, 41 per cent added this pressure is more than last year.
It revealed older generations are likely to spend more time indoors during winter, with 52 per cent anticipating they’ll go consecutive days without leaving home.
More than half (52 per cent) of these stated it is just too cold to go outdoors.
Michaela Wright, group head of sustainability at Skipton Building Society, which is encouraging donations to the campaign online and in each of its branches, said: “No one should have to choose between staying warm and affording life’s essentials.
“Yet our research shows this is the reality for far too many people.
“With many worried about heating costs and people expecting real financial strain this winter, the situation is heartbreaking.
“That’s why we’re working with our charity partners Age UK and National Energy Action who were chosen by Skipton’s members and colleagues to not only raise awareness but provide practical support.
“In addition to the charity partners receiving part of our 1 per cent profit before tax as a charitable donation, they will receive a further £50,000 split between them as part of this campaign, we hope to help bring warmth and reassurance to those who need it most.
“Together, we can make sure people know where to turn for help, because staying warm isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.”
To combat the cold, 70 per cent will pile on extra layers to keep warm, and 45 per cent plan to use blankets, hot water bottles or electric throws as cheaper alternatives to turning the heating on.
Nearly a third (30 per cent) will go to bed earlier to stay warm, while 23 per cent will confine themselves to a single heated room.
National Energy Action’s chief executive Adam Scorer said: “Our mission is to ensure everyone can afford to live in a warm, healthy home.
“Today’s price cap announcement means bills are still £500 higher than pre-crisis levels for a typical household.
Energy costs and cold weather place growing pressure on households, the campaign will shine a light on those who struggle in the cold and dark – unable to afford to heat and power their homes.
“The support from Skipton, their members and customers will help us to provide practical advice and support so more people can keep warm this winter and beyond.”
Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, added: “Sadly, fuel poverty remains a huge problem for older households as around 1.1 million homes with a person aged 60 or over live in fuel poverty.
“Rising energy prices and inflationary hikes to basic daily essentials are already eating into low-income pensioner budgets, many of whom have few or little savings to fall back on.”
“This campaign is shining a light on this crisis hiding in plain sight and giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of the support available for older people, and why it’s so needed.”
According to the findings, which were carried out by OnePoll, 74 per cent fear energy bills will continue to rise in the coming years.
And the same proportion hoping to see more support introduced to help older people keep their homes warm.
Despite this, 63 per cent said they are unaware of any formal support available to help them manage during the colder months.
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