Energy Advice Helpline is among 50 civil society groups that have written to Labour’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury with an urgent plea to honour the Warm Homes Plan agreement. The Government has previously pledged to invest 13.2 billion pounds into improving the UK’s home energy efficiency, which will protect the most vulnerable households. However, with only £3.4 billion allocated so far, there are concerns that the upcoming 11th June Spending Review could see this commitment slashed by half, making it no higher than the original amount pledged by the last Conservative government.
If this happens, it will leave millions of people who really need this assistance…literally in the cold!
The Warm Homes Plan Will Help the Most Vulnerable Households
Cutting the Warm Homes Plan funding will be disastrous for people already struggling to heat their homes. This will directly affect the most vulnerable in our society in the following ways:
- The Warm Homes Plan could help 3 million households save £220 a year—but a funding cut would deny that benefit to 1.5 million homes; many of these are already in energy poverty.
- Government data shows that half the homes insulated under the last scheme had someone with a disability living there, and nearly a third housed someone aged 65 or over.
- For vulnerable households, a warm, energy-efficient home is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. It can mean fewer hospital visits, lower stress, and protection from the cold, all of which can lead to fatalities.
James Dyson, lead coordinator of the letter and senior researcher for the Green Think Tank, E3G, says:
“Reinstating winter fuel payments means nothing if the government doesn’t keep its promise to fix cold, leaky homes. It’s like pouring water into a sieve. The government must keep its manifesto pledge of £13.2bn for insulation, which will lower people’s bills permanently and improve their wellbeing.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, also warns:
“We face an immediate problem of how to ensure older people on low and modest incomes can afford to run their heating this winter, which the government’s potential policy change to winter fuel payment may or may not address – but regardless, it’s clear that making older people’s homes more energy efficient is an essential part of the solution longer term. Working on this at the pace envisaged in Labour’s manifesto makes excellent policy sense and would also give older people real hope for the future.”
Cuts to Funding means more Poverty and Pollution
Cutting this funding would leave the most vulnerable behind:
- Fuel poverty is rising, and the people hardest hit are often those least able to advocate for themselves.
- Energy inefficiency drives up bills and health risks, deepening inequality in society and putting even more strain on the NHS.
By delivering the full budget for the Warm Homes Plan, the government can permanently lift families out of hardship, cut carbon emissions, and reduce winter deaths.
Cuts to Funding Means Less Economy Growth and Trust in the Government
Cutting the budget for the Warm Homes Plan would mean risking future economic growth for the UK. If the Government sticks to the full investment it could boost the economy by 0.8% in just 5 years and create jobs across every region in the UK.
However, it’s not just the country’s infrastructure that’s at risk; a failure to adhere to the plan will also affect the Labour Party itself. Labour MPs represent 82% of the 300 constituencies most affected by fuel poverty. Abandoning this pledge would also mean turning away from those who voted for promised change and compassion in their local communities. Once lost, the Party may never regain the trust of even its most loyal supporters!
Energy Advice Helpline supporting the Warm Homes Plan
As one of the frontline organisations supporting the call to save the Warm Homes Plan, Energy Advice Helpline sees the devastating impact of cold, damp homes on people’s health and well-being first-hand. We know the difference that having proper insulation and energy support can make—not just by saving pounds…but it can actually save lives!
Please join Energy Advice Helpline, E3G, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Age UK, and dozens of others calling for urgent action now. Vulnerable households should not be left behind. The government must honour its promise. Please contact your own local MP and join the fight for the right to a warmer home now! If you would like to see a full copy of the letter sent to the Government, please click here.
If you’re struggling to heat your home, there are current Government grants that can help you to make your home more energy efficient. Please click the button below to check your eligibility.
