Fuel poverty and transport poverty in the UK: a critical examination of their future evolution in relation to government policy

In the UK, transport poverty has evolved out of an explicit analogy with the more recognised fuel poverty. This thesis adapts a practical approach to these phenomena through the use of in-depth semi-structured expert interviews, supported by detailed research and policy review. Extensive exploration of literature on the subject outlines the broader factors behind the prevalence of fuel and transport poverty in the UK, addressing the impacts of social exclusion and the neoliberal austerity agenda. The theoretical underpinnings of this thesis lie in The Right to the City by Henri Lefebvre, drawing on his vision of emancipatory spatial politics. Insightful primary evidence in the form of 17 expert interviews, taken from the energy and transport sectors, were used to gain a detailed understanding of the impact of government policy on these issues. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed a number of key themes which are explored in the interview analysis chapter. The discussion highlights the synergies between the issues of fuel and transport poverty, proposes a range of policy recommendations and makes some key methodological contributions. The contributions to knowledge of fuel and transport poverty are set out in the conclusion. These include advances in understanding the synergies between them along with policy recommendations around the provision of energy advice, addressing the health impacts of cold homes, defining fuel poverty, along with officially recognising and agreeing the structure of transport poverty. The methodological contributions, advocate the importance of an approach that fits with the local circumstances of the area. Along with the importance of taking a holistic view of the way that people chose to live their lives. This finding brings fuel and transport poverty together, with other forms of poverty. We urgently need a publicly funded energy efficiency programme in England, in order to meet the UK Government’s fuel poverty target by 2030. It is also vitally important that we achieve official policy recognition of transport poverty from the UK Government, if we are to tackle this issue that blights so many lives.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Bogaars, Alistair

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Yurchenko, Yuliya
• Ieromonachou, Petros
• Wray, David

• H Social Sciences (General)

Language dc:language

en