Nearly half the UK struggle to keep cool in heatwaves, report finds

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Nearly half of UK residents surveyed by Citizens Advice report difficulty keeping their homes cool during recent heatwaves, with some resorting to sleeping outside or missing work to cope. The findings underscore urgent calls for government investment in housing upgrades like better insulation and ventilation to address both summer heat stress and winter energy affordability challenges.

Nearly half of people in the United Kingdom report difficulties in keeping their homes cool during recent heatwaves, according to new research by Citizens Advice. The study found that 44% of respondents struggle to reduce indoor temperatures, with many resorting to various measures to cope with the intense heat.

Approximately 17% of those affected have taken significant steps such as sleeping outside on balconies or in gardens, staying in hotels, or missing work to avoid the discomfort of overheated living spaces. Additionally, around four million people use improvised methods like taping cardboard to windows to mitigate the effects of the heat. The research also highlighted that roughly 90,000 individuals living in communal properties with central heating systems are unable to turn off their heating during summer months, exacerbating the difficulty in controlling indoor temperatures.

Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty emphasized that for many, summer heatwaves mean being confined to homes where temperatures rise uncontrollably, leading to a sense of entrapment and distress. She called on the government to address these challenges through the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to improve housing infrastructure. Moriarty stated that investment in better insulation, improved ventilation, and upgrades to heat networks could help ensure homes remain comfortable by keeping them warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

The report also connected these cooling issues to the broader context of energy affordability, noting that many UK residents face unaffordable heating costs during colder months. Citizens Advice urged the government to consider comprehensive strategies that simultaneously address rising summer temperatures and high energy bills in winter, as both contribute to substantial public health and welfare concerns.

While the data underscores widespread hardship in managing indoor temperatures during heatwaves, calls for government intervention focus on long-term housing improvements rather than short-term fixes. The findings highlight the vulnerability of large portions of the population to extreme temperatures and the need for systemic measures to improve home energy efficiency and climate resilience.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.