Fuel poverty has become one of the biggest social issues at the moment, one expert has commented.

The main factors causing the issue are energy cost, income and energy efficiency, with a spokesperson from the Energy Saving Trust advising that a sophisticated area-based analysis is vital in order for energy schemes to be effective.

David Weatherall, housing strategy manager at the Energy Saving Trust, noted that there are many initiatives in the UK to help homeowners.

Mr Weatherall explained: "Until then, [the] Warm Front [scheme] is open in England to help vulnerable people tackle energy-efficiency – and grants and offers for free and heavily-subsidised loft and cavity insulation are available across the UK."

His comments come after Barnardo's published its Priced Out study, which found that the rising cost of heat means that many low income families are struggling financially.

The group found that many families now need to choose whether they want to heat their homes or eat.