The Fuel Poverty Strategy for England was first published on GOV.UK on 21 January 2026 by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and applies to England1. The page was last updated on 26 January 2026 to correct an error in Figure 91. It was published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government1.
The strategy sets out the government's approach to tackling fuel poverty in England, and its stated aim is to deliver progress to the fuel poverty target through six priority outcomes1:
| Priority outcome |
|---|
| Delivering progress to the fuel poverty target |
| Reducing the number of E, F and G rated homes |
| Making energy more affordable |
| Reducing the number of children living in fuel poverty |
| Increasing referrals from frontline services |
| Improved health outcomes |
"This strategy sets out the government's approach to tackling fuel poverty in England."
The publication comprises several documents: the strategy itself in HTML, a technical annex in HTML, a correction slip, and PDF versions in web-optimised, print-ready and large print formats1. The web-optimised and print-ready PDFs run to 52 and 54 pages respectively, the large print version to 114 pages, and the technical annex PDF to 34 pages1. All carry the reference ISBN 978-1-5286-6025-9, E03465297, CP 14971. The page notes that the PDF files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology, and gives an email address for requesting an accessible format1.
The strategy sits within the wider framework of fuel poverty policy and how it is defined in each nation, which sets out how fuel poverty is measured and targeted across the UK1. The six outcomes listed cover both the statutory target and related areas such as energy affordability, the energy performance of homes rated E, F or G, children in fuel poverty, referrals from frontline services and health outcomes1.
Why it matters for households
Fuel poverty policy determines how a household's energy costs relative to income are measured, and which homes are identified as needing support. The strategy's inclusion of E, F and G rated homes as a priority outcome points to the least energy efficient properties, which typically cost more to heat and offer less control over bills. For a household, the practical effect of such a strategy depends on the schemes and eligibility rules that follow from it, none of which are set out in the publication page itself. The strategy does not, on the information published, change any household's tariff, grant entitlement or meter arrangement directly.
What happens next
The page records two dated actions: first publication on 21 January 2026, and an update on 26 January 2026 to correct an error in Figure 91. No further steps, consultation dates or implementation timetable are given on the publication page1.