A new study has revealed that Sandwell in the West Midlands is the fifth poorest place in England, with around one in seven households (13.5%) experiencing fuel poverty. The analysis, conducted by Felons Support, looked at fuel poverty rates across the country in 2024.
Fuel poverty describes households that must spend a high proportion of their income to keep their home at a reasonable temperature. This is impacted by a household's income, fuel costs, and energy consumption. Lower-income residents living in poorer-quality housing suffer the most.
Regional Impact
Sandwell, a Black Country borough comprising towns such as West Bromwich, Tipton, and Oldbury, is regarded as one of the most deprived parts of the country. Some of the poorest residents have been left relying on food banks during the cost-of-living crisis.
Birmingham was fourth on the list, with a similar proportion of residents (13.8%) suffering in fuel poverty. Another Midlands town, Stoke-on-Trent, was second on the national list, further highlighting the difficulties faced by huge numbers in the region.
National Context
The Isles of Scilly are said to be the worst affected area in the UK. The study's experts noted that in the worst-hit area, the rate is almost 75% above the England average.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made addressing the cost-of-living for some of the poorest households one of his main priorities.
Advice for Households
Experts behind the study said: "These figures show how sharply household budgets can diverge by postcode. In the worst-hit area, the rate is almost 75% above the England average, so households already struggling should check council support, energy grants and supplier hardship schemes before colder weather pushes arrears higher."
The findings underscore the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the West Midlands, with many struggling to pay bills, put food on the table, and keep their homes warm during winter.
