MORE than 17,500 Dorset households are facing this winter in fuel poverty, according to shock government figures.

Latest statistics reveal nine per cent of Dorset homes are classified as 'fuel poor', which means they cannot afford to adequately heat their home based on their income.

And, according to the Annual Fuel Poverty Statistics Report, rural parts of the county are disproportionally affected.

In response to the growing concerns, the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC), the trade body for the oil fired heating and cooking industry in the UK, has written to local MPs, calling for more support for rural households, especially in the context of last winter's extreme cold weather.

Malcolm Farrow, of OFTEC, said: "We often take our heating for granted and turn up the thermostat when the weather gets cold without a second's thought. Unfortunately, as this latest report reveals, for many households across Dorset keeping warm is a constant source of concern and often anxiety.

"Many health problems are associated with living in a cold house and there is particular concern for older people who struggle during the winter months. Whilst steps have been taken to try to alleviate the problem, still not enough support is available."

The report also highlights the importance of energy efficiency, as homes with better insulation and modern boiler systems require less energy and are quicker to heat - which can help households lower their fuel bills.

Mr Farrow added: "Rural households typically have a far lower energy efficiency rating compared to urban homes so the current focus needs to be on cost effective solutions such as better insulation and helping them upgrade to a modern and more effective heating system.

"For instance moving from electric storage heaters to oil central heating which is over 40 per cent cheaper to run.

"This will have an immediate positive impact on many fuel poor homes."

However, Mr Farrow added that, even with government support, the cost of upgrading a boiler is still out of reach for many residents.

He said: "Households can reduce their fuel bills in other ways such as adjusting heating timers as the weather changes, bleeding radiators and having their heating system regularly serviced and inspected by a qualified GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) registered technician."