Demand for help to insulate homes
Figures reveal borough has 35 ‘crisis hotspots’
ROCHDALE, has 35 ‘energy crisis hotspots’ where low income areas with poorly insulated homes face high energy bills, according to campaigners.
It comes as gas prices have risen by 60 per cent over the last two years with electricity up 40 per cent.
Manchester Friends of the Earth came together with other community groups on Saturday, November 18 to demand solutions that will lower energy bills permanently and make sure no one goes cold in winter.
The United for Warm Homes Campaign has called for a rapid rollout of insulation to reduce bills for the almost 9,000 ‘energy crisis hotspots’ across England and Wales.
As below-average income households are forced into fuel poverty through high energy bills, living standards amongst many in these hotspots have been affected.
According to campaigners, anyone on a lower income or out of work is at particular risk of being affected and research also shows that people of colour, disabled people and young people will be disproportionately impacted.
With a staggering 543 neighbourhoods in the cityregion facing fuel poverty, Manchester Friends of the Earth is bringing the fight for warm homes to Greater Manchester to help those hit by high energy bills in winter.
Amy Berrisford at Manchester Friends of the Earth said: “It’s almost two years since energy prices first shot up, yet we’re still no closer to addressing the root causes of our sky-high bills.
“Everyone deserves to live in a warm, comfortable home and have their basic needs met - we hope to unite communities in Greater Manchester under this vision for a better future.”
One area in particular that has been hit hardest by rising bills in Greater Manchester is Rochdale, which has 35 ‘energy crisis hotspots.’
Meanwhile, 53.1 per cent of the Bolton South East constituency is considered to be an ‘energy crisis hotspot.’
The report by the United for Warm Homes campaign claims that over 700,000 homes in Greater Manchester aren’t energy efficient, making them more expensive to heat and insulate in the winter months.
Manchester Gorton is another constituency significantly impacted by the rise of energy prices in low income areas, having 29 ‘energy crisis hotspots’ and an average energy bill of £2,540.
Manchester Gorton MP Afzal Khan was shocked at the findings saying, “I am deeply concerned that over a quarter of constituents in Manchester Gorton live in fuel poverty.
“In some parts of my constituency, notably Fallowfield, Rusholme and Longsight, the picture is even bleaker, with nearly 40 per cent of households affected in some areas.
“Many residents cannot afford to improve the energy efficiency of their home, or they live in privately rented accommodation and are therefore at the mercy of a landlord.”
Mr Khan expressed his support for the Warm Home Plan, with the hope to make homes more
energy efficient, with 23 per cent of all emissions coming from home heating while reducing fuel poverty. With households across Greater Manchester region expected to struggle into another winter, the Labour MP added: “Households deserve to eat and feel warm this winter and every winter.”