Thousands of Warrington homes hit hardest by energy cap

More than 10 per cent of neighbourhoods in the town are going to be among the most-affected areas in England and Wales.

The data shows that 13 of Warrington's 127 neighbourhoods are energy crisis 'hotspots'.

89% of adults reported their #CostOfLiving had risen over the past month 📈

76% reported being very or somewhat worried about rising costs.

45% of adults who pay energy bills said they found it very or somewhat difficult to afford them https://t.co/yTpfjwtlw8

— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) August 19, 2022

10 per cent of households in the town amounts to around 9,000 homes.

Until October this year, the average household energy bill sits at £2,111 but this is set to rise by 45 per cent to £3,069 from October.

The energy crisis 'hotspots' are defined as areas with below-average incomes, but above-average bills.

National average costs in January 2023 are predicted to rise further to around £4,300 according to analysis company Cornwall Insights.

We're calling for a free, government-funded home insulation programme.

It's critical the government starts investing in insulation now to prevent devastating choices this winter and in future years.

Add your name today to demand action. https://t.co/EpvPoklilP

— Friends of the Earth (@friends_earth) August 19, 2022

The latest data comes from Friends of the Earth, an environmental charity.

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at the charity, said the Government must "beef up its package of emergency financial support" and protect the most vulnerable to soaring price rises.

In Warrington alone, 1,830 homes require loft insulation, and 1,670 are in need of cavity wall insulation.

Nationally, they are among 1.2 million and 1.3 million homes needing these improvements respectively.

A spokesperson for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "We are investing £6.6 billion in this parliament to improve energy efficiency as part of the Government’s 'Help to Heat' programme, which is helping make households across the country cheaper to heat."