One in five Coalville homes are likely to find themselves in fuel poverty, councillors were told recently.

North West Leicestershire District Council's Full Council meeting met and heard Cllr Terri Eynon put forward a motion that steps should be taken to reduce fuel poverty by the end of the decade.

She pointed out that the council has an existing commitment to address the ever-worsening problem.

Cllr Eynon reported that, what the Government considers to be fuel poverty, had risen by two per cent to 13 per cent of homes in the Coalville area.

The Labour councillor added: "There is considerable inequality over our district.

"In some places, like Ashby Castle South for example, fuel poverty is relatively rare.

"But in other areas such as Coalville, Ibstock and Measham, one in every five homes will struggle to say safe and warm.

"Minimising fuel poverty needs to be seen as one strand in our overall community strategy.

"We should look to end fuel poverty by 2030."

Cllr Eynon was supported by the meeting with Cllr Sean Sheahan adding: "This council needs to rise to the occasion.

"I hope it can and I hope it does."