A household is defined to be in fuel poverty if it needs needs to spend 10% or more of its income to meet fuel costs. Tackling fuel poverty will lead to substantial social, economic and environmental benefits for Newcastle and its residents.

Newcastle's Affordable Warmth Strategy was launched in March 2002 and updated in February 2005.

Newcastle upon Tyne 'Warm Homes, Healthy Lives' - March 2002 (PDF 12.52 Mb)

Affordable Warmth in Newcastle 'Accelerating to 2008' - February 2005 (PDF 4.83Mb)

The delivery of the strategy is led by the Affordable Warmth Steering Group (AWSG). This group has effectively brought together a wide representation from key organisations in the energy, health, housing, social welfare and voluntary sectors, with the aim of eradicating fuel poverty and securing affordable warmth for all residents of Newcastle.

The Energy Centre have been a partner on the steering group since it was set up and played a key role in development of the strategy, action plan and partnerships.

The two current major delivery mechanisms are Newcastle Warm Zone and Health Through Warmth. Newcastle’s AWSG were awarded the North East HECA Officer of the Year award in May 2005.

Newcastle City Council, Newcastle Warm Zone and Health Through Warmth have also signed up to the North East Fuel Poverty Declaration (PDF 410 Kb). For the full further information see the North East Domestic Energy Forum website.