Around 7.7 million UK households are likely to struggle with affording to pay their heating bills this winter, a new report has found.
According to new research published by the Resolution Foundation yesterday (1 October), a shocking 37% of all households in England suffered fuel stress within the past 12 months, and that situation was found to be the most stark for single parent households – with it meaning that three in four (77%) are likely to struggle with payments this upcoming winter.
56% of couples with children are also likely to experience fuel stress, the report found, which is more than twice the rate seen among households with pensioners at 24%.
‘Cold Comfort’ examines the extent of fuel stress – which is defined as families needing to spend more than 10% of their income, after housing costs, on heating their homes – across Britain, and looks at how policy can support these households.
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New RF analysis reveals how non-pensioners, especially families with children, are more likely than pensioners to be in fuel stress.
The organisation says the study is particularly relevant in the context of the Government‘s recent decision to end the universal Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) for pensioners.
The decision to scale back on the WFP – which were first introduced back in 1997 – means one million pensioners will be no longer eligible for the payment, and this is therefore expected to create financial hardship for some low-income pensioners, which is why Resolution Foundation’s report is calling on the Chancellor to introduce new support in her upcoming Budget that will look to help all households experiencing fuel stress.
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Under the current scheme, WFP recipients are automatically given a £25 payment when their local temperatures drop below freezing for a week or more.
As these particular payments are not only tied to income via benefit eligibility, but also to energy consumption as a function of being conditional on local temperature, the organisation is suggesting to the Government that this existing scheme could be expanded, both by increasing eligibility and by raising the temperature at which payments are triggered.
New reports finds 7.7 million UK households are expected to struggle with heating bills this winter / Credit: pxhere
Several other measures have also been suggested by the organisation as potential recommendations for the Government.
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Alex Clegg, who is the Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said these stark statistics illustrate how “poorly targeted Winter Fuel Payments are”, and why “alternative support” will be needed this winter.
“Couples with children are more than twice as likely to experience fuel stress as pensioner households,” they explained, “so any new support should not be limited to pensioners.”
“Reforming and expanding Cold Weather Payments offers a viable quick-fix solution to help keep households warm when the mercury drops this winter, but looking beyond this winter, the Government should prioritise developing a social tariff and investing in energy efficiency for our homes.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd October 2024 
