By statute, you are living in fuel poverty if (i) you are poor, and (ii) you live in a home which cannot be kept warm at reasonable cost. That’s tough but, if someone over 65 or under 5 lives in your home, then help is at hand from MSDC. Well, it is until the end of this year, when the Heat for Health scheme ends. Boiler replacements, insulation or secondary glazing may be available to eligible households. Click the image above for more information or email Katja Rothe, the Mid Sussex Community Energy Adviser.

If you are not living in fuel poverty, then another bureaucratic scheme (Act on CO2) advises you to turn your thermostat down by one degree. The warm glow of self-righteousness fully compensates for the consequent drop in temperature (apparently).