Party manifestos leave renters — 20% of households — out of energy efficiency schemes

Election 2024 presents a critical opportunity for the next government to address energy poverty while ensuring a fair transition away from fossil fuels, writes Clare O'Connor

Energy deprivation, or not being able to meet your basic energy needs, disproportionately affects renters, many of whom live in older, poorly insulated properties with higher energy costs. File picture: iStock

Just days from the country going to the polls, housing and the soaring cost of living rightly remain at the forefront of voters' concerns. 

Household energy bills have not returned to pre-covid levels, and again those on the lowest incomes and in the least-insulated homes remain the most exposed to the colder weather. The current cold spell is very difficult for thousands of families around the country.