Energy efficiency 'is key to solving fuel poverty'

A DRIVE to increase energy efficiency in UK homes is the best way to solve long-term fuel poverty, according to a study released today.

The Institute for Public Policy Research report said fuel poverty increased over the last five years despite government targets to eradicate the problem by 2016.

Current moves to tackle fuel poverty were "out of date", and short-term measures were also needed to help the poorest pay for their heating during the cold snap, it said.