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.
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.”
