THE Government is being urged to take action to support households in Dorset struggling to pay their fuel bills.

It comes after a report revealed the number of households in fuel poverty has increased slightly, with more than one in 10 homes struggling with energy bills. A large proportion of these are in rural areas such as Dorset.

There were 2.38 million homes in fuel poverty in England in 2014, the year for which the most recent figures are available, an increase of 1.4 per cent on 2013 when it was 2.35 million households.

Levels of fuel poverty are projected to have fallen in 2015 but are set to rise again slightly this year, statistics from the Department of Energy and

Climate Change show.

There is some respite for the 18,000 oil heated households in Dorset, benefiting from a fall in oil prices over the past two years.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, said: “This new report is deeply concerning and in 2016 it is shocking that fuel poverty is still affecting so many. However, the report does emphasise that households who can upgrade to a modern, condensing boiler are far less likely to fall into fuel poverty.

“For this reason we are calling on the government to introduce a boiler replacement scheme which would provide financial support to help more households, especially those in rural areas such as Dorset upgrade their heating systems.”

Paul Leivers, head of early help and community services for Dorset County Council, said: “Councils across Dorset, Public Health Dorset and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are working together to help vulnerable people keep warm, safe and well this winter.

“The Healthy Homes Dorset project, funded by Public Health Dorset, provides advice for vulnerable people on keeping warm and well and installing free insulation. This aims to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce the need to go to hospital during the winter months.

“We will be holding a series of home safety falls prevention events. These events will provide information and advice from a range of local and national organisations about local services, activities and help with energy efficiency, accessing aids and adaptations, help at home and benefits checks.”