Running on Empty: New research finds unpaid carers are more likely to be living in fuel poverty
Carers are much more likely than the UK population as a whole to be living in cold, unheated accommodation.
This is the stark finding of Running on Empty, a new report based on extensive analysis of datasets studying the income, wellbeing and expenditure of people across the UK. The research is also based on interviews with carers from across England, Scotland and Wales.
The research was commissioned by Carers Trust and was carried out by Care Full.
How much more vulnerable are carers to fuel poverty than the general population?
The research found fuel poverty rates amongst certain groups of carers to be much higher than the national average of 13% across the UK population:
- more than a quarter (28%) of unpaid carers living in a home with just one adult carer were living in fuel poverty.
- in households where just one adult carer is living with children, the fuel poverty rate for unpaid carers is even higher – rising to over one third (36%)
Other groups of carers suffering from fuel poverty rates higher than the national average include:
- almost half (49%) of all unpaid carers living in a home with just one adult, and where the carer is on Universal Credit, are experiencing fuel poverty
- 22% of unpaid carers in homes with more than one adult, and where the carer is on Universal Credit, are experiencing fuel poverty
- almost one in five (19%) of young adult carers living with other adults are experiencing fuel poverty
- and 17% of carers on Carer’s Allowance are experiencing fuel poverty
Why are carers more likely to be experiencing fuel poverty?
Carers have always found it hard to make ends meet. Many have had to give up paid work altogether, or at least reduce their paid hours significantly, so they can care for a family member or friend. Many rely on benefits like Carer’s Allowance which fall short of what is needed for even a basic standard of living.
On top of these acute financial pressures, many carers find themselves more vulnerable to soaring household energy bills. That’s because, for many carers, reducing energy consumption is not an option. Carers need to keep houses warm and keep equipment running because this is essential for the person they are caring for.
What are we calling on the Government to do to address higher fuel poverty rates among carers?
The report includes a series of recommendations for the Government and energy providers to eradicate fuel poverty for unpaid carers, and beyond. These include:
- Introducing a social tariff to ensure that energy is affordable for those with lower incomes or additional needs, including care and disability.
- Delivering far-reaching reform of social security support for carers, including reform of Carer’s Allowance (and Carer Support Payment in Scotland) to increase eligibility, generosity and support for those with the most intense caring roles.
- Ensuring those on Universal Credit can afford essentials
What is Carers Trust doing to tackle fuel poverty among carers?
Launched in 2024, Carers Trust’s Carer Money Matters (CMM) programme is funded by four Gas Distribution Networks, as part of their Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance. It is delivered by 25 local carer services in the Carers Trust Network.
The programme has enabled these services to launch, or enhance, their financial support for carers. By the end of September 2025, the programme had already helped over 20,000 carers with over £15 million in potential income and savings. Programmes like Carer Money Matters prove the value of local, specialist support for carers.