The most recent Government figures show that over 15% of the population in Burnley and Padiham are fuel poor. That is about 12,000 people!<br />
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A person is deemed to be in 'fuel poverty' if their fuel costs are above average and paying their fuel bills would leave them with an income below the official poverty line.<br />
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We cannot allow new homes to be built in the Borough that have a low energy efficiency standard. Doing so creates a situation where some people on low incomes are always at risk of being unable to afford to heat their own homes.<br />
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Passivhaus is an internationally recognised standard for new homes that typically means an average household's heating bills are reduced to less than £100 a year. As Passivhaus is an international standard it cannot be interfered with by national governments, while still being in full compliance with UK Building Regulations.<br />
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Passivhaus standards do not have to come at a cost. A commitment from Burnley Council creates certainty for developers on house building standards, allowing costs to fall inline with traditional building costs. <br />
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Lower fuel bills would allow residents a significantly larger disposable income for spending boosting the local economy, rather than increasing the profits of the energy companies.<br />
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We call on Burnley Council to use whatever means possible to require the best energy efficiency standards for new homes and buildings that it is possible to obtain and to take the issue of Fuel Poverty in the borough seriously.