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BRE has measured fuel poverty on behalf of the UK government since the 1990s. This publication sets out the origins and development of the concept and measurement of fuel poverty in the UK as a method for targeting those households most at risk of being unable to heat their homes due to low income and/or high fuel costs. The development and definitions of fuel poverty methodology are discussed at national and local levels, along with a summary of fuel poverty trends in the UK over time, a definition of who the fuel poor are, and reasons for changing levels of fuel poverty. It aims to give a background to the concept of fuel poverty for housing associations and providers, energy suppliers, policy makers, energy consultants and academics.