A REPORT into the “energy divide” across Europe has revealed 26,229 homes in rural districts of North Yorkshire are living in fuel poverty.

The study into the cost of fuel poverty by the organisation National Energy Action (NEA) was launched at a conference in London organised by Green MEP Jean Lambert this morning (Friday, October 24).

The report, commissioned by Green MEPs, urges European policy-makers to put low-income households at the heart of its energy policy, alongside environmental objectives.

The report also identified that in North Yorkshire, the Harrogate district had the highest number of households in fuel poverty, with 6,279 homes affected. To be considered fuel poor, a household must spend more than the UK median on its energy bill and that expenditure must push it below the poverty line.

Across the districts of Harrogate, Richmondshire, Hambleton and Ryedale, a total of 14,783 homes were classed as fuel poor.

In Ryedale 12 per cent of homes were found to be affected.

It comes as the constituency’s MP Anne McIntosh has renewed her campaign for a fuel duty rebate for residents in remote parts of North Yorkshire.

She said not only do residents pay some of the highest prices in the country at Ryedale’s petrol pumps, but large numbers of homes do not have access to mains gas and are dependent on expensive heating oil to warm homes.

Today (Friday, October 24), she wrote to George Osborne to press the case for a remote fuel duty rebate.

She said: “The cost of heating oil and driving cars is higher in rural areas and I’ve campaigned on this for some time.

She added: “Thirsk, Malton and Filey sees some of the highest fuel prices in the country, and with constituents having to travel further to the pump due to the remote rural nature of North Yorkshire, this is having a crippling effect on many constituents and businesses.”

The Yorkshire Energy Partnership is an independent advice organisation which is working with local authorities in North Yorkshire and other groups to help those struggling with high fuel bills.

Simon Winch, programme manager for the partnership said they did this by providing free advice and other initiatives such as helping people join heating oil-buying co-operatives in their local area, or finding out they were eligible for free insulation.

“There’s a lot people can do to save money, even if they’re in fuel poverty. We can provide people with free information on how they can reduce their fuel bills.

“The people who most need help are often the ones hard to reach, but relatives, support workers, or friends can also ring on their behalf, if they’re concerned about someone and we will do what we can to help.”

For more information contact: 01904-545020 or visit: www.yorkshireenergypartnership.org.uk/