Drayton Sofa Sessions Episode 2: Fuel Poverty & the New Build Market - Are We Building for the Future? Watch Now

After the warm reception to Episode 1, we’re back with another deep dive - this time into a topic that affects millions across the UK: fuel poverty and the realities of the new build housing market.

Fluctuating energy prices and a household’s fuel poverty risk are influenced by a multitude of factors, from local council policies to international conflict; but with surging costs it’s the most vulnerable households that continue to be hit the hardest. How can the housing industry ensure better living standards in a scalable way, and prevent new builds and low-cost housing from falling short of efficiency standards?
 

In this session, we explore:

• Why new homes aren’t always energy-efficient
• How planning delays, material costs, and affordability gaps are slowing progress
• The uncomfortable truth: 1 in 4 renters in the private sector are still living in fuel poverty
• More eye-opening statistics surrounding the issue of fuel poverty
• What needs to change to ensure future housing is warm, affordable, and sustainable

With completions at their lowest since 2016, and energy costs still disproportionately affecting low-income households, we ask:

Are we building homes that truly serve the people who need them most?

Housing insecurity and cold homes aren’t just policy failures - they’re lived experiences that shape mental health, family stability, and long-term wellbeing. Join us on the sofa as we unpack the data, challenge assumptions, and spotlight the technologies like smarter heating controls that are a cost-effective force for change.

Whether you're a policymaker, developer, or simply someone who cares about the future of housing in the UK, this episode is for you.