Over half of Northumberland homes are not 'energy efficient'

Despite Government plans to freeze energy bills at no more than £2,500 a year as part of a package of support aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis, campaign groups say the new measures will an "expensive sticking plaster" if they are not accompanied by longer-term investment in energy efficiency and renewables.

Analysis of energy efficiency ratings by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows 59% of houses in Northumberland had a ranking of "D" or below as of March 2021 – the latest figures – meaning they are likely to be worse impacted by the rising cost of fuel.

Energy Performance Certificates show how effective a home is at keeping heat in – with ratings from A (the most efficient) to G – the least, meaning residents have to spend more on energy bills to keep their homes warm.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that 6.9 million households across the UK will suffer fuel poverty this winter, even after the new price guarantee.

The latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy estimate there were around 3.2 million households in fuel poverty in 2020 – including 19,905 in Northumberland.

Separate figures from charity Friends of the Earth show, as of August, 17% of homes in Northumberland did not have their lofts insulated, and 16% were without cavity wall insulation – equivalent to 27,700 and 25,300 homes respectively.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is set to provide more details in an announcement later this month.