Number of Shropshire homes with poor energy ratings revealed

Prime Minister Liz Truss announced that average energy bills will be frozen at no more than £2,500 a year for all homes in England, Scotland and Wales, as part of a package of support aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

However, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaign group said the new measures would be an "expensive sticking plaster" if they were not accompanied by longer-term investment in energy efficiency and renewables.

Energy Performance Certificates show how effective a home is at keeping heat in – with ratings from A (the most efficient) to G – the least, meaning residents have to spend more on energy bills to keep their homes warm.

Analysis of energy efficiency ratings by the Office of National Statistics shows 62 per cent of houses in the Shropshire Council area had a ranking of "D" or below as of March 2021, with 48 per cent in Telford & Wrekin, and 72 per cent in Powys – the latest figures – meaning they are likely to be worse impacted by the rising cost of fuel.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that 6.9 million households across the UK will suffer fuel poverty this winter, even after the new price guarantee – including around 5.3 million households in England.

The latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy estimate there were around 3.2 million English households in fuel poverty in 2020 – including 23,045 in Shropshire.

Separate figures from charity Friends of the Earth show, as of August, that 19 per cent of dwellings in Shropshire Council's area did not have their lofts insulated, and 14 per cent were without cavity wall insulation – equivalent to 28,200 and 20,500 homes respectively.

For Telford & Wrekin 15 per cent did not have their lofts insulated, and 13 per cent did not have cavity wall insulation – equivalent to 11,900 and 10,000 homes respectively.

In Powys there are 22 per cent of homes without insulated lofts, as well as 15 per cent without cavity wall insulation – the same as around 14,300 and 9,800 homes respectively.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, called the PM's announcement "good news" but warned more must done for those most in need.

"The new Government must not forget that the most vulnerable need targeted support," he said.

"Those who use more energy in their homes because of medical conditions, those who are elderly and those on very low incomes need extra help, so they don’t have to ration their usage, putting their physical and mental health at risk."

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said the plan "does not come cheap" and criticised Ms Truss for funding it through increased Government borrowing, rather than a one-off tax on energy companies.

The Prime Minister said it was a "moment to be bold".

“We are facing a global energy crisis and there are no cost-free options,” she said.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is set to provide more details in an announcement later this month.