Impact of welfare reform on fuel poverty

Approximately a third of all households in Wales were estimated to live in fuel poverty in 2011.  One of the factors associated with fuel poverty is low income, with many of those on low incomes receiving either in-work or out-of-work social security benefits.  

Almost all social security benefits for people of working age are changing, with many of the changes likely to result in a drop in household income. Other changes affect how households receive benefits, e.g. a shift to monthly payments.

This briefing paper highlights the possible implications of the reforms for fuel poverty and makes recommendations for action by the Welsh Government and others.

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