Our new research* has revealed the harsh realities of living in fuel poverty and poor housing conditions across the UK, with people enduring cold, damp homes for an average of five years. These conditions can result in respiratory illnesses, mental health issues and financial strain for many households across the country.
With the cost-of-living still high, many households are struggling to keep their homes warm. Around 30% of people are turning their heating down to uncomfortable levels to save money, which can lead to damp and mould problems.
Nearly all affected UK residents living in cold, damp homes in the UK are struggling financially, with 93% saying their situation has worsened and four in five (81%) are worried about how they’ll keep warm this winter.
The research also sheds light on the impact of living in a cold and damp home, with many reporting a musty smell (41%), poor quality sleep (33%), needing to sleep with extra clothing layers (32%), the impact on their mental health (29%), the worry about their children’s health (27%) and the impact on their physical health (25%).
The stigma and stress of fuel poverty, damp and mouldy homes have left many people (43%) feeling isolated, while many feel anxious (64%) and helpless (57%) about their circumstances.
Phil Burrows, Cadent’s Head of Customer Vulnerability and Social Purpose said:
The findings of our research are shocking, but they are also a call to action. Safe, warm housing isn’t a privilege, it’s a fundamental right. With rising energy costs exacerbating fuel poverty, families are being pushed into unsafe living conditions where damp and mould thrive.
Through initiatives like our Warm Wash Centres and training programmes, we’re committed to helping families across the UK reclaim their homes, their health, and their dignity.
Jo Campbell, Headteacher at Kirkdale Primary School in Liverpool, said: Fuel poverty is having a devastating impact on some of our families. We see children coming into school in damp or incomplete uniforms because parents can’t afford to heat their homes or dry clothes overnight. In some cases, families are living in overcrowded, cold houses where mould is growing, and children are suffering with asthma and respiratory issues.
In response to the new data, we’re working to provide urgent support to over 50,000 households facing fuel poverty and problems with damp and mould, including:
Named after two‑year‑old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from mould exposure, Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025. This legislation gives tenants new rights, requiring registered social landlords to take action and investigate reports of damp or mould within 10 working days, and address emergency hazards within 24 hours.
| Area | Partner Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| North London | Bonny Downs Community Association | The Well Community Centre, 49 Vicarage Lane, London, E6 6DQ |
| North London | Barking Churches United | 37A Vicarage Shopping Centre, Barking, IG11 8DH |
| East Midlands | Wesley Hall Community Centre | Wesley Hall Community Centre, 76 Hartington Road, Leicester, LE2 0GN |
| North West | Fazakerley Community Federation | Fazakerley Community Centre, Formosa Drive, Liverpool, Merseyside, L10 7LQ |
| North West | Inspire Chorley | Inspire Chorley Youth Zone, Chapel Street, Chorley, PR7 1BS |
| West Midlands | Birmingham Thrive - Newbigin Community Trust | Newbigin Community Trust, 143/4 Lodge Road, Birmingham, B18 5BU |
| North West | School next door to Social Brokers | Kirkdale, Saint Lawrence Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, L4 1QD |
| North West | Warrington Council - Westby Community Centre | Westby Community Centre, Bridgewater Ave, Latchford East, WA4 1TA |
| East Midlands | North Lincolnshire Community Vision | North Lincolnshire Community Vision, Oasis Community Hub, Henderson Avenue, Avenue Vivian, Scunthorpe, DN15 8LG |
| West Midlands | Home-Start Birmingham | Home-Start Birmingham North West, Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre, Dulwich Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 0EW |
