The government has begun consultation on proposals for a new way to measure fuel poverty in England, following an independent review. The proposed new definition includes dual indicators separating the extent of the issue (the number of people affected) from its depth (how badly people are affected).

An independent review by Professor John Hills (London School of Economics) recommended in March 2012 a move away from the current definition of fuel poverty (based on whether a household needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on energy), which he argued is 'not fit for purpose'. The government has now said it plans to adopt the overall framework proposed by Hills.

The consultation also looks at the implications for the fuel poverty target set out in the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000. The new definition of fuel poverty is a relative one, whereas the target focuses on eradication as far as reasonably practicable by 2016 (ie an absolute target). The consultation therefore seeks views on whether, in changing the definition, the target should also be revised.

The government says it will publish an updated strategy on fuel poverty in 2013 in the light of consultation responses. The consultation runs until 30 November 2012.

Source: Fuel Poverty: Changing the Framework for Measurement, Cm 8440, Department for Energy and Climate Change, TSO
Links: Consultation document | Hansard | Hills report | Consumer Focus press release | Friends of the Earth press release | uSwitch press release