The generally accepted definition of fuel poverty is when a household has to spend 10 per cent or more of its income on energy to maintain a warm house.
The Council’s target is that all homes in the borough have access to adequate, affordable heating by 2015, which is backed by the Affordable Warmth Strategy published in 2004.
A lack of information and independent advice is often the biggest barrier to people improving the energy efficiency of their property. The Council can provide practical help and impartial advice to residents by telephone, email and face-to-face at events, such as the annual Lewisham People's Day.
Discounts and grants exist to help citizens insulate their homes, grants for heating systems and assistance with draught proofing may also be available. Not all are dependant on income or benefits.
Lewisham’s Energy Action Zone is a project with the objectives of reducing fuel poverty and reducing CO2 emissions by advising residents on ways to save energy and eligibility for grants.