Fuel Poverty
Councils are addressing the cost of living crisis and energy affordability, with concerns raised about support funding and successful programmes reducing energy bills.
Councillors in Barking and Dagenham raised concerns in September 2026 about the cost of living crisis and its impact on residents, with 20.1% reporting hunger due to affordability issues. Questions were asked about funding for long-term solutions and resident support after the Household Support Fund concludes in March 2027, as the council develops a Food Ladders programme.
Meanwhile, Islington's SHINE programme saved residents an estimated £585,347 on energy bills by April 2026, supporting vulnerable households with energy costs and poor housing. Redbridge Council approved a new Climate Change Strategy in March 2026, aiming for net zero by 2040, which includes actions for energy-efficient buildings. Haringey Council reported a 26% carbon emission reduction by March 2026, noting high energy costs as a factor.
Key facts
- 20.1% of Barking and Dagenham residents reported going hungry due to affordability issues in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- The Household Support Fund is scheduled to conclude in March 2027. Source
- Islington's SHINE programme saved residents an estimated £585,347 on energy bills by April 2026. Source
- Haringey Council reported a 26% reduction in borough-wide carbon emissions since 2015 by March 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council approved a new Climate Change Strategy in March 2026, aiming for net zero by 2040. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.