Money Box Energy Costs for Families and Salary Sacrifice Pensions
Jan 3, 2026
Dan Whitworth, a BBC reporter, shares heartfelt interviews with families in Stoke grappling with fuel poverty, revealing the struggles of living in cold homes. Adam Scorer, from National Energy Action, discusses the alarming impact on children's health and education, advocating for better government support. Adele Greenwood clarifies salary sacrifice pension changes coming in 2029, explaining implications for workers and strategies to maximize savings. The conversation also touches on managing Christmas costs with practical tips for families.
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Families Describe Coping With Cold Homes
- Parents in Stoke describe paying about £10 a day just to keep the house warm and sometimes borrowing to cover month-end costs.
- One single mother stays with her child in the living room to save energy and avoid heating the whole home.
Why Child Fuel Poverty Persists
- Adam Scorer highlights that fuel poverty combines high bills, low incomes and inefficient homes to create severe child harms.
- He warns that the current support packages are welcome but insufficient and poorly targeted at families with children.
Talk To Your Energy Supplier Early
- Adam Scorer advises people struggling with bills to contact their energy supplier because suppliers are often more helpful than expected.
- He recommends early communication especially if you are in debt to access support and arrangements.