Being brought up in cold, damp houses is hurting kids’ chances in life

Being brought up in cold, damp homes is quietly reshaping children’s chances in life, and one charity is calling for urgent change. With Fuel Poverty Awareness Day taking place tomorrow, National Energy Action (NEA) is urging the government to step up support for families whose children are paying the price for living in homes that are simply too cold to be healthy. Their concerns are sobering. Millions of children across the UK are growing up in fuel poverty, and our own data reflects the scale of the problem: over the last three months, 55% of the parents who reached out to us for help were behind on their energy bills.

How cold houses are hurting our kids

NEA highlights a growing body of evidence showing that cold, damp conditions can hold children back in several ways. It affects their ability to concentrate and perform well at school, increases the likelihood of lifelong respiratory problems and even raises the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome for babies. These aren’t abstract risks. Across the country, children are heading to bed early just to stay warm, and families are rationing something as basic as turning on the lights. Parents are caught between heating their home and serving a hot meal, while damp and mould make it difficult for youngsters to invite friends round. Many children are being singled out at school because their parents can’t afford to run the washing machine, and high energy costs mean they’re missing out on clubs, hobbies and other extracurricular opportunities that should help them thrive.

What needs to change

NEA is urging the government to act so that no child’s health or future prospects are shaped by the temperature of their home. They want to see stronger financial support for families living in fuel poverty and a commitment to ensure rented homes meet a decent standard of energy efficiency within the next five years.