BEAMA’s independent campaign, Ask for Underfloor, is urging the government to make more efficient heating systems compulsory for all UK affordable and social housing, in order to actively fight future fuel poverty.

Chris Ingram of BEAMA Underfloor said: “Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt recently stated that he would like to give Ofgem the power to force energy companies to cut prices when wholesale costs fall in order to provide fairer winter fuel costs for UK residents*. While this could provide short term savings for homeowners, it is unlikely to offer a sustainable way in which to fight rising energy prices and ever increasing fuel poverty.

“Currently, one million working households are living in fuel poverty**. Not only is this wholly unacceptable in 21^st century Britain, the ramifications of this poverty include higher-than-average death rates and a severe drain on the NHS; in fact it is estimated that fuel poverty costs the health service £1.5bn annually***.  All of this could be reduced if the installation of energy efficient heating measures was made mandatory in affordable and social housing, something independent consumer campaign, Ask for Underfloor, is urging the party that comes into power after the General Election to implement.

“One way we can future proof homes is by installing underfloor heating. As well as being one of the most efficient ways to heat a home or flat, it also works effectively with low temperature renewable heat sources. Underfloor heating creates the ideal living environment and leaves no cold spots, unlike many traditional heating methods which drain consumers’ pockets due to their inefficiency.  Such systems can provide reduced long-term costs, offering potentially significant savings for homeowners and tenants alike.

“Energy prices are just the beginning when it comes to fighting fuel poverty. We are unlikely to see an improvement in levels of poverty without a significant investment in energy efficient measures across Britain’s housing stock, which will help protect UK homes against future bills and potential fuel shortages.”

For more information about underfloor heating and the Ask for Underfloor campaign, visit www.askforunderfloor.org.uk.