Arun District Council is urging residents to check their heating is up to scratch before colder weather arrives, with grants available to help some households repair or replace their heating systems.
The council said those struggling to keep warm at home because their heating is broken or not working properly may be able to get financial help.
According to the council, residents may qualify if they own their home, receive means-tested benefits, have a low household income or have a health condition.
This appeal comes after the council’s latest Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Strategy 2026-31 estimated 7,301 households in the district were living in fuel poverty in 2023.
This was an increase from 5,165 in 2019, with the Arun district having the largest number of households struggling to heat their homes of any local authority in West Sussex.
The document also states that 9.5% of Arun households were in fuel poverty in 2023, compared to 9.3% in West Sussex and 13.1% across England.
The council says bills for things such as energy, fuel and food have increased by around 50% since 2020, while the same cannot be said for incomes.
Those on lower or fixed incomes can be forced to make difficult spending choices. The document states some households have ‘no choice but to ration their energy use or, worse still, self-disconnect.’
It added: ‘Energy is not a luxury commodity, yet high prices have made energy unaffordable to some.’
The strategy highlights three main factors that cause fuel poverty, a combination of high energy costs, energy inefficient homes and low income.
The average Energy Performance Certificate rating for homes in the district is ‘D’, which is the same as the national average.
The document warns that fuel poverty can impact people’s health, including an increased risk of breathing problems, worsening circulatory conditions and depression.
The council wants to reduce the problem over the next five years by improving energy efficiency and helping residents access financial support.
Measures include better insulation, heating upgrades, renewable energy systems such as solar panels and heat pumps and smart meters to better track energy consumption.
The strategy also includes plans to work with private landlords to improve energy efficiency standards in privately rented accommodation.
The council is encouraging residents to check whether their heating is working properly before the colder months arrive and those who are eligible could receive financial help.
For more information visit: https://www.arun.gov.uk/energy-efficiency/
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