Chancellor Lamont's announcement in his 1993 Budget of the proposed imposition of VAT on domestic fuel bills, quoted in Hansard (1993), poses the question as to what effect this projected increase in fuel costs will have upon the health of those at greatest risk in the community. This paper is based upon the premise that householders on low, or fixed incomes faced with a significant increase in fuel costs must either reduce their expenditure or reduce their heating costs. The paper considers these issues and considers the possible effects upon standards of heating and ventilation in the home confounded by increased levels of insulation, and the potential for significant increases in condensation associated with increased levels of indoor air pollution within dwellings. Suggestions for the mitigation of these perceived risks to health are also set out, including the need for increased financial assistance for those most at risk.
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