Hull charity urges Government to tackle fuel poverty and housing crisis in Budget
Citizens Advice calls for urgent changes to help vulnerable families in Hull and East Yorkshire
A Hull-based charity is calling on the Government to address fuel poverty, housing issues, and child poverty in the upcoming Autumn Budget on 26th November 2025.
Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding has outlined its concerns, highlighting rising living costs and inadequate support systems that are leaving vulnerable families struggling across Hull and the East Riding.
H2 Energy and essential costs
The charity says unaffordable energy bills are forcing people to choose between “heating and eating.”
Local data shows that more than half of their clients who can’t pay bills are already in energy debt, with many also repaying water debts.
Last year, Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding supported 1,468 damp and mould issues caused by cold homes, while they issued over 1,200 fuel vouchers. Nearly half of those needing energy help also required foodbank referrals.
One client shared their experience, saying: “We relied on food and fuel vouchers to keep the meters running and feed our family, but we often couldn’t afford to turn the heating on at all.”
H2 Housing struggles
The cost of housing is another significant issue, with the charity requesting that Local Housing Allowance (LHA) be updated to reflect 30% of the local rental market.
Rising rents in Hull now average £578 per month for two-bedroom properties and £691 for three-bedroom homes, compared to pre-pandemic levels of £450-£550. Similar increases have occurred in the East Riding.
Citizens Advice has reported a rise in people falling behind on rent, facing eviction, or resorting to using food banks.
One client described falling £95 short each month in housing support. They said: “We are being forced to turn to foodbanks just to make up the difference to keep a roof over our heads.”
H2 Changes to limit child poverty
Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding also wants the Government to scrap the two-child limit and benefit cap on Universal Credit.
Under the two-child limit, families with additional children born after April 2017 receive no extra support. Meanwhile, the benefit cap sets an overall limit on household benefits, regardless of circumstances.
The charity has supported families caught in crisis. One client shared: “Because of the two-child limit and the benefit cap, we are left with nothing for our youngest two children. It’s pushing us into deeper hardship.”
Tracy Wharvell, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, has urged the Government to act, saying: “Times are tough and we urge the Government to do the right thing for those in our communities most in need of support.”
If you are affected by similar issues, you can contact Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding via their Advice Line on 0808 278 7981 or visit their website)