Fuel poverty higher among unpaid carers than general population – new research reveals

New research released today provides data comparing fuel poverty rates among the general population with rates among specific groups of carers.  

Around 13% of the UK population lives in fuel poverty. Researchers commissioned by Carers Trust found fuel poverty rates amongst certain groups of carers much higher than the national average. In households with one adult carer, more than a quarter (28%) of unpaid carers live in fuel poverty. This rises to a third (36%) in households where one adult carer is living with children.  

Researchers also found the average rate of 13% across the UK population rises to a fuel poverty rate of: 
- 17% for carers on Carer’s Allowance 
- 22% for unpaid carers in multi-adult households where the carer is in receipt of Universal Credit 
- 49% (a huge jump to almost half) of unpaid carers living in single adult households where the carer is in - receipt of Universal Credit.  
19% (almost one in five) of young adult carers living with other adults.  
 
These stark findings are set out in Running on Empty, a research report commissioned by Carers Trust and carried out by Care Full.  

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 acute financial pressures, many carers are contending with soaring household energy bills. All too often, 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.  

The ‘Running on Empty’ report will be shared with MPs today (Tuesday 2 December) at an event in Parliament. The report includes a series of recommendations for the Government and energy providers to eradicate fuel poverty for unpaid carers, and beyond. The report puts forward recommendations including: 
- Introduce a social tariff to ensure that energy is affordable for those with lower incomes or additional needs, including care and disability. 
- Complete and 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. 
- Ensure those on Universal Credit can afford essentials. 

Sam Andrews is an unpaid carer from Hartlepool and mother of three children, all of whom have autism. She finds the stress of having to care, bring up her children and pay the household bills a constant worry. She said: 

“I’m always worrying about energy bills, especially in winter and the school holidays when we are constantly using the heating and other appliances. Along with food, energy bills are essential. But because they are top priority, it means we can’t buy other things, and that can be hard.  

“We have received some really great support and advice from Hartlepool Carers, including getting me on the priorities service for water and Northern Powergrid. But we need far more support from the Government. Carers save the Government a fortune when they look after family members unpaid. So the very least the Government could do in return is give those carers who need them some really useful support like fuel vouchers and cold weather payments. This really would reduce the worry and the constant stress of bills a lot.”  

Reflecting on the findings in the Running on Empty research, Ramzi Suleiman, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Carers Trust, said:  

“While the Chancellor’s announcement that energy bills will be reduced by £150 a year from April 2026 will benefit families across the country, we know this won’t even hit the sides in helping pull the most vulnerable groups of carers out of fuel poverty. We heard from carers, some of whom are spending £500 a month on their energy bills. 

“Ending carer poverty has to be a priority for this Government. A big part of that will be giving carers access to affordable energy as a right, not a nice-to-have. Carers who rely on social security have intense caring roles – caring for at least 35 hours a week – with many caring for over 50 hours every week. Many cannot balance paid work with their caring responsibilities, so the government must take action to make sure those on Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit are able to afford life’s basics.”  

Carers Trust is working hard to tackle fuel poverty among carers. In 2024, it launched its Carer Money Matters (CMM) programme. The 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 has helped over 20,000 carers with over £15 million in potential income and savings for them. Programmes like CMM prove the value of local, specialist support for carers.