The British Gas Energy Trust has urged the new Prime Minister to make ending fuel poverty a national priority, arguing that warmer, more energy-efficient homes are essential to reducing emissions, improving living standards and building healthier communities.
In a letter to Andy Burnham, the Trust sets out a place-based strategy designed to tackle one of Britain’s most persistent social and environmental challenges.
It says coordinated action on fuel poverty would not only reduce household energy bills but also support economic growth, improve public health and ease pressure on public services.
The accompanying policy paper identifies five priorities, including introducing a national mission to end fuel poverty, creating an energy affordability guarantee through a social tariff, investing in home energy efficiency and retrofit programmes, empowering local authorities to deliver tailored solutions – and strengthening community organisations that provide advice and crisis support.
Improving the energy efficiency of homes is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions while lowering energy consumption. Retrofitting properties with better insulation and modern heating systems can help households stay warmer using less energy, supporting Britain’s wider net zero ambitions.
The Trust’s recommendations are informed by frontline experience. During 2025, it supported more than 72,000 people, distributed over £14.3 million in grants and helped households manage or write off tens of millions of pounds in debt.
It says combining financial assistance with independent advice and local support delivers lasting improvements in financial resilience.
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