SKY high fuel bills combined with energy-inefficient housing could make this an especially brutal winter for people across Copeland, figures suggest.

New analysis of energy efficiency ratings by the Office of National Statistics shows 71 per cent of houses had a ranking of 'D' or below as of March 2021 – the latest figures.

This comes as campaign groups warn of soaring fuel poverty even with the new Prime Minister's energy plan.

Prime Minister Liz Truss announced last week that 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.

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 4,791 in Copeland.

And separate figures from charity Friends of the Earth show, as of August, 22 per cent of dwellings in Copeland did not have their lofts insulated, and 30 per cent were without cavity wall insulation – equivalent to 7,400 and 10,100 homes respectively.

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.

The issue is becoming ever more prevalant across the country. In a letter to the public, the controversial group Insulate Britain said: "Against all the odds, we had hoped that after we left the roads our government would get on with the job.

"But a year on, millions and millions of families are worse off than ever and are fighting for their lives in a cost of living crisis.

"It seems that Britain needs us back more than ever."

'Hopefully we will reach as many people as possible'

But Mike Starkie, Copeland’s elected mayor, said help is available for lower income households.

“Fuel poverty is no doubt a big worry for many of our residents this winter," he said.

“One of the ways we are tackling this is by being a part of the Sustainable Warmth scheme – it helps people access between £10,000 and £25,000 for substantial energy saving measures.

“We are really encouraging people to come forward and apply for this now – it’s aimed at people on lower incomes, who might not otherwise be able to afford to make such changes to their homes.

“It can help them get things like insulation, solar panels, double glazing and air source heat pumps – things that could make a real difference to people’s fuel usage, and therefore their bills.

“Even landlords can apply for a grant – up to £5,000 – to help with installing these measures.

"Hopefully we will reach as many people as possible and help them make real changes to the warmth and efficiency of their homes."

READ MORE: Copeland mayor Mike Starkie calls for new councils to negotiate 'devolution' deal