Shropshire is one of three areas of the country chosen to take part in a study into fuel poverty.The Hands Up Project aims to analyse the effects of fuel poverty and its impact on people's health and the local economy. It is believed that rural areas are particularly badly hit, due to the number of properties off the gas network.  The Hands Up project is one being organised by the Commission For Rural Communities with active involvement from the rural Services Network and all local authorities in the three areas which include Shropshire along with County Durham and East Riding.

MEA's Keep Shropshire Warm team has been drafted in by Shropshire Council to assist in the co-ordination of the "Hands Up" initiative across the county.  The first phase of this scheme is well underway with 2,500 households in South Shropshire having been targeted with a specific questionnaire designed to gain a clear and accurate portrayal of how households in rural areas are being affected by rising fuel costs.  Early indications show that 29% of those households targeted are spending more than 10% of their annual income on heating their homes - this exceeds the national average suggesting that fuel poverty can have a bigger impact on rural communities, many who live in hard to treat homes which are often unable to take advantage of current government initiatives aimed at making homes more affordable to heat.

Over the next few months a number of focus groups will be held throughout South Shropshire to gain further insight and speak to individuals directly affected by rising fuel costs.  It is hoped that evidence gathered through this initiative can build a picture of fuel poverty in the rural areas and to assess why current affordable warmth initiatives seem to be failing to help in rural areas.  It will also look at the effects this has on the health service and local economy.  

For further information please contact Jo Meakin on 01743 277123 or joanna@mea.org.uk