More than a quarter of households in Blyth Valley are believed to be suffering fuel poverty, a council report reveals.

The number of people in fuel poverty has increased over the years despite partnership work with the Warm Zone initiative to help tackle the problem.

And Blyth Valley Council believes the increase is due to rising energy prices.

A cabinet report, said: "In 2001, a survey of 21,000 residents in Blyth Valley indicated that 5,109 households or 24 per cent were classed as being in fuel poverty.

"Since 2003 energy prices have risen considerably with gas increasing by 57 per cent and electricity by 40 per cent.

"Despite the best efforts of the partnership approach adopted by Warm Zone, inevitably the numbers in fuel poverty will have increased."

In 2001, Northumberland became one of five authorities to pilot the government's Warm Zone scheme, with aims of eradicating fuel poverty.

Households suffering fuel poverty are defined as those spending more than ten per cent of their income on keeping warm.

Cabinet members have agreed to commit a further £26,000 towards the scheme.

Coun Ian Ayres said: "The commitment of Blyth Valley to eradicate fuel poverty has to be applauded. It's excellent.

"The consequences of fuel poverty are enormous.

"It can and does kill and this year and next year, it is going to be very difficult for the people affected by it.

"It leads to under achievement, social exclusion and psychological and ill health."

Coun Ayres welcomed support to help tackle fuel poverty but called for more support for families on income support and low income still struggling to pay for fuel.

Coun Deirdre Campbell added: "The work is tremendous, but there are still people just above the borderline."

She said that fuel cards issued by energy companies were also causing problems for some families.

"What families got for £10 a few months ago does not cover the same now," she said.

"It is very sad that in 2006 children are coming in from school and their families have no means to provide hot meals, light or heat.

"Sadly it is the children who suffer."

To date, Warm Zone has attracted over £2.5m in additional resources to fund energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation to Blyth Valley homes.

Coun Gareth Davies said: "There is still a considerable amount of work to be done in this area.

"We are lucky in South East Northumberland – we have Warm Zone, an area of expertise.

"I think it is also vital we continue to support Warm Zone and do everything we can to address energy and fuel saving needs.

"At the moment we do not reach all the households in the borough."

Sources: http://www.blyth-wansbecktoday.co.uk

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