What could be the cost to health of the energy crisis?
It will also potentially draw another 2 million households into fuel poverty, with more people than ever finding it difficult to heat their homes to a comfortable level, and some facing the starkest of choices between heating or eating. In North Yorkshire, there are already over 40,000 households in fuel poverty (14.6%) and this is likely to rise significantly after 1st April.
Some of the knock-on impacts will be cold homes, damp, worries about bills, and energy debts, all of which are known to exacerbate existing health conditions and cause new problems. For example:
- Children are twice as likely to have respiratory problems if they are living in poorly heated homes
- Low temperatures cause slower weight gain in babies and infants, higher hospital admission rates and an increase in asthmatic symptoms.
- Being cold increases the risk of trips and falls, exacerbates symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and asthma, and increases the risk of heart problems, strokes and respiratory diseases.
- Cold homes, high bills and associated financial stress negatively impact mental well-being, with an increased risk of anxiety, stress, depression and social isolation.
- 28% of young people who lack affordable warmth risk developing multiple mental health symptoms compared to only 4% who live in warm homes.
Finally, there are indirect health risks from fuel poverty and stretched household budgets. For example, not getting appliances serviced or chimneys swept, using a hob or cooker for warmth, or blocking vents could all increase the exposure risk to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Advice available locally:
If you are worried about the rising prices and keeping warm, there are local organisations and support schemes to help. You could:
- Access 1-2-1 advice around managing and reducing energy bills through Warm and Well North Yorkshire
- Check your eligibility for a grant for insulation or a heating upgrade through your local Council
- Check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to – £15billion of benefits go unclaimed annually. Organisations like the Citizens Advice can help with this.
- Check your eligibility for a reduced social tariff on your water bill or phone/broadband.
- Sign-up to the Priority Services Register if there is a child under 5, pensioner or someone with a health condition or disability in the household. This will keep you safe if there is a powercut or the gas supply is interrupted.
For more information on these schemes, or on the free fuel poverty/energy awareness training we offer to health and social care professionals, contact kate@yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk / 01757 249100.
