- Indicators of poverty show that African and Caribbean communities may be more susceptible to fuel poverty than other groups –

- African and Caribbean communities are two and a half times more likely than the national average to live in the most deprived 40 per cent of local areas* -

- 75 per cent of vulnerable people unaware of benefits available to them to heat their homes -

The Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is today calling on members of the black community to get in touch and access free information on grants and benefits to which they may be entitled.

Government indicators of poverty and research conducted by the Department of Work and Pensions and the Office of National Statistics have shown that:

·         46% of black African and 30% of black Caribbean people had low household income (less than 60 per cent of the national average)*

·         27% of black African people and 15% of black Caribbean people earned less than £6.50 per hour.*

People living in poor quality housing are also more likely to have difficulty paying for their fuel bills because of problems including damp and inefficient insulation. The 2001 census found that in England African and Caribbean communities were two and a half times more likely than the national average to live in the most deprived 40 per cent of local areas.

The Home Heat Helpline is a free-phone service providing advice on how to stay warm over the winter, reduce energy bills and, in some cases, access grants. Vulnerable customers who call the helpline may be able to access grants from their energy suppliers or grants from the Government to help insulate their homes or improve their heating systems.

Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association said:

“It is clear that some black people are more vulnerable to fuel poverty. We would therefore encourage anyone who is concerned about their fuel bills to call the Home Heat Helpline to see whether they are entitled to additional support or grants. On average vulnerable customers are missing out on £1,500 each in grants and rebates. The Home Heat Helpline can help access this money as well as extra services available from energy suppliers.”

John Azah, Chair of the British Federation of Race Equality Councils comments:

“While more research needs to be conducted on this issue and exact figures are unclear, a number of factors suggest that black and minority ethnic households may be living in fuel poverty. Low household income, poor wages, and poor housing standards all make members of the black and minority ethnic community particularly at risk from this problem. It is therefore essential that the Home Heat Helpline encourages these communities to call the helpline for advice on their energy bills and energy efficiency.”