MPs hear direct from carers on fuel poverty at parliamentary event

MPs and parliamentarians attended a reception today at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Carers Trust. Carers and staff from eight local carer services across England shared their experiences of the challenges they face and the importance of local support.  

One of the issues raised was fuel poverty. The event marked the launch of new research which found fuel poverty rates among certain groups of carers, including young adult carers and those carers living on Universal Credit, are much higher than the national average (13%). 

The full findings are published in the Running On Empty report which was launched at the reception. 

Many of the carers attending the event have received support from Carers Trust’s Carer Money Matters programme. This support comes in the form of practical advice and support helping carers boost their income as well as finding ways to cut down their energy bills.  

Lorraine who is a carer for her son and her mother had travelled to the event from Sutton. She said:

“The support I’ve received from Sutton Carers Centre has been invaluable. They’ve helped me apply for support on everything from water to energy and my DLA. They even helped me fill out my forms which I just don’t have time to do. As carers we give so much of our time to the people we care for. Helping us with funding isn’t charity – it's recognition for everything we do.” 

Another attendee was Darren Tobin, CEO of Crossroads Care South East London. He said:

“Hearing unpaid carers' stories first hand underscored the urgent need for targeted energy support. Keeping the heating off to save money is damaging carers’ own health and straining family relationships, we can’t keep ignoring that toll.”

 "The event highlighted how fuel poverty traps unpaid carers in a cycle of sacrifice; policymakers must prioritise exemptions to break this [cycle]. "

Our sincere thanks go to Charlotte Cane MP, who sponsored the event, and all the MPs and parliamentarians who came along in support of unpaid carers. 

Read more about our new research and recommendations on alleviating fuel poverty.