If you have been struggling to pay your energy bills, please don’t think you’re alone. According to the official Committee on Fuel Poverty, over 10% of households in England are in fuel poverty. ‘Fuel poverty’ is defined as a situation where someone who is on a relatively low income lives in a house that cannot be kept warm at a reasonable cost.

It can be caused by a mixture of high energy prices, low incomes, and energy-inefficient homes. Fuel poverty can have life-changing effects on households, with the stress of debt, for example, creating social isolation and even illness.

LEAP has a wide network of referral organisations who will refer anyone who is in (or at risk of falling into) fuel poverty. Referral organisations could, for example, include your local food bank, Citizens Advice, health clinic, your rent or housing officer or local authority contact.

You can find out more by visiting the LEAP website here.