New research has revealed that there is a huge shortfall in funding for energy-saving programmes that would help alleviate the burden on families in fuel poverty.
The figures, compiled by National Energy Action (NEA), found that the government's key energy efficiency programmes will leave hundreds of thousands of households in danger of overspending on their bills in the future.
Indeed, it stated that many families could be left with poorly insulated properties by 2016.
This is the year by which the government undertook to eradicate fuel poverty in England for good.
In the most optimistic estimates, 45 per cent of households in fuel poverty who could benefit from energy-saving measures will be excluded from support because the plans lack funding.
Of course, if you can't get your homes insulated then you will need to use more heating to keep yourselves warm in the winter.
If this is the case, you will want to save money in other ways and one such method is by installing energy efficient LED ceiling spotlights into the home.
Chief executive of NEA Jenny Saunders said the UK government is fully aware that millions of households are currently unable to heat their homes to a standard that will protect their finances and wellbeing.
"Warmth is a top political issue and we are fully committed to supporting the heating and insulation programmes that already exist," she added, before stating that the NEA is increasingly concerned about the consequences of the decision to reduce resources in this area.
Director of Energy Action Scotland Norman Kerr said ill health caused by cold, damp housing is estimated to cost health and social services more than pound 1 billion each year across the UK.
He continued: "From this year onwards HM Treasury will accrue huge revenues from hard-pressed domestic energy consumers. We know that without radical change the most severe impacts of the cold will continue to be felt by many of the poorest and most vulnerable households and communities."
Last month, a total of 132 projects were awarded a share of £46 million in funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to help reduce the effect of fuel poverty.
