Over the next four weeks, Fuel Bank Foundation CEO Matthew Cole will be embarking on a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of extreme fuel poverty and the devastating impact it has on people’s lives.
The ‘Race to End Fuel Crisis’ aims to highlight the challenges faced by those struggling to heat their homes, bathe their children, cook warm meals and power essential appliances, as well as inspire action to address the root causes of fuel crisis and champion the need for a fair energy transition to net zero.
Covering thousands of miles across the UK, Matthew will visit Fuel Bank network partners, community groups and funders, as well meet energy industry policymakers, regulators, ministers and individuals and families living in fuel crisis.
Matthew said: “Last year’s inaugural ‘Race to End Fuel Crisis’ was a useful and important campaigning and fact-finding exercise. Travelling around the country, I got to hear about the various issues people living in different locations are faced with, whether it’s access to help and support or the challenges of living in remote areas. Hearing it first-hand really brought home how difficult life is for the most vulnerable in society and how much more needs to be done to help them.
“What was clear from my travels last year is how endemic fuel poverty, and in extreme cases fuel crisis, is across the UK. It’s a serious issue for all ages and social demographics, from families with young children to people with disabilities and life-long illnesses.
“With energy costs remaining high in the last 12 months, we know the situation hasn’t changed for many people.”
