Fears energy price rises will put more Cumbrians in fuel poverty, July, 25, 2011, News & Stars: “Ruth Willis fears the latest energy bills blow could not have come at a worse time. Parts of Cumbria are already dogged by so-called fuel poverty as families struggle to pay gas and electricity bills. And new rises come as the aftermath of the recession continues to bite and people grapple with the tight financial times. Ms Willis, chief executive of Action with Communities in Cumbria, believes the increases are unreasonable and is clear about what they could mean for some…”
Fuel poverty warning issued, July 26, 2011, Berwick Advertiser: “The number of people living in fuel poverty in the region could rocket, according to a Northumberland-based debt advice service. Government figures, published earlier this month, revealed that more than 20 per cent of households – around 5.5 million – were spending more than 10 per cent of their annual income on keeping warm in 2009. However, already-high utility prices are set to soar after British Gas and Scottish Power announced forthcoming price hikes, with most energy suppliers expected to follow suit…”