Fuel poverty could increase the risk of damage to homes

By Marianne Straker, Fri 2 Dec 2011 - Published in Home Insurance

Homes in Wales could be at an increased risk of damage from harsh winter weather this year, as consumers in the country are being hit hardest by fuel prices.

A new study from uSwitch has discovered that people in Wales are paying more for their gas and electricity bills than elsewhere in the UK, with the average bill sitting over Ł1,300.

This means that there are more Welsh people in fuel poverty than the rest of the country, with 32 per cent of people either struggling or failing to pay their energy bills.

With so many people facing up to difficulties with bills, many may feel the need to restrict their use of central heating, increasing the risk of frozen and burst pipes and home insurance claims.
uSwitch reported last month that 89 per cent of people would restrict heating in some way this year.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, said: "There is now real urgency for the Government to deliver on fuel poverty and to act quickly to alleviate the misery being faced by those who cannot afford to heat their homes. But, in the meantime, households have to start protecting themselves."

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