A new study has identified Stoke-on-Trent as the area with the worst fuel poverty rate in England, with 14.8% of households affected. The analysis, conducted by Felons Support using 2024 data, places Birmingham fourth at 13.8% and Sandwell fifth at 13.5%.
Study highlights regional disparities
Fuel poverty is defined as households that must spend a high proportion of their income to maintain a reasonable home temperature. The rate is influenced by household income, fuel costs, and energy consumption. In Stoke-on-Trent, approximately one in seven households falls into this category.
The findings show that these areas are among the most deprived parts of England, with many residents relying on food banks during the cost-of-living crisis. The knock-on effect is that poorer families often live in lower-quality homes, which cost more to keep warm, leaving little disposable income for savings or leisure activities.
Political response and expert advice
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made tackling the cost-of-living for hard-up families one of his main priorities. Experts behind the study noted that in the worst-hit area, the fuel poverty rate is almost 75% above the England average. They advised households struggling with bills to check council support, energy grants, and supplier hardship schemes before colder weather pushes arrears higher.
The analysis underscores how sharply household budgets can diverge by postcode, according to the researchers. With winter approaching, the findings serve as a reminder of the financial pressures facing many families in the Midlands.
