MORE than half of Southampton homes have poor energy efficiency ratings, it has been revealed amid fears of fuel poverty this winter.

The Office of National Statistics figures show that 55 per cent of houses have an energy efficiency rating of D or below.

This means they are likely to be impacted more by a rising in the cost of fuel.

More than 13,000 houses in Southampton, out of 106,728, were in fuel poverty in the city in 2020, according to government figures.

The End Fuel Poverty campaign group says Southampton will be one place with "significant levels" of fuel poverty this winter.

Energy Performance Certificates show how effective a home is at keeping heat in – with ratings from A (the most efficient) to G.

The lower the rating, the more a resident has to spend on energy bills to keep their home warm.

Prime Minister Liz Truss announced that the typical UK household will pay no more than £2,500 a year for energy, as part of a package of support aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

But the End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaign group said the new measures would be an "expensive sticking plaster" if they were not accompanied by longer-term investment in energy efficiency and renewables.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, called the PM's announcement "good news", but warned more must done for those most in need.

"The new Government must not forget that the most vulnerable need targeted support," he said.

"Those who use more energy in their homes because of medical conditions, those who are elderly and those on very low incomes need extra help, so they don’t have to ration their usage, putting their physical and mental health at risk."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook