Thousands of homes in Dorset are ‘fuel poor’ and cannot afford to keep adequately warm during the winter months, a report has revealed. 

New government data has put a spotlight on the high levels of fuel poverty in Dorset, revealing that more than 18,485 households are struggling to keep warm as temperatures drop.

The latest figures for 2015 show that almost 10 per cent of homes in Dorset are classed as ‘fuel poor’, meaning they cannot afford to keep sufficiently warm at a reasonable cost given their income. 

In response to the report OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, is urging local MPs in Dorset to take immediate action to provide support for fuel poor households as winter approaches.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin said: "A great deal has been done in recent years to alleviate fuel poverty through improved insulation and new central heating for those who have most difficulty meeting their fuel bills.

But we should certainly continue‎ in this effort, and I welcome all constructive suggestions - which should be considered very carefully by the Government."

The information also shows that households in rural areas have higher fuel poverty levels at 14 per cent, compared with 11 per cent in urban areas, with rural households a gap of £700 between the cost of their fuel bills and what they can actually afford to pay.

It highlights the need to make homes in Dorset more energy efficient to upgrade boilers to modern, high efficient types, whilst improving insulation.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented saying: “It is shocking that once again we are seeing an increase in levels of fuel poverty with more and more people unable to afford the most basic need of keeping warm. 

“On average rural households, such as in Dorset, are ten times more likely to have the lowest efficiency rating compared to urban homes. Our research shows these homes can save over £200 a year by upgrading to a modern, high efficiency boiler.

“That’s why we are calling on local MPs and the government to support those who are most vulnerable by introducing a boiler replacement scheme to help households upgrade and benefit from cheaper fuel bills.

“We recognise that for some people already in fuel poverty it will be difficult to afford the upgrade. Fortunately, there are other low cost ways these households can reduce their heating costs such as regularly adjusting heating timers, bleeding radiators, improving insulation, purchasing oil over the summer when it is typically cheaper and having their heating system regularly serviced by a qualified technician."

South Dorset MP Richard Drax was contacted by the Dorset Echo, but declined to comment.