The Hands Up Survey has been sent to a selection of people living in privately rented or owner-occupied homes.

It aims to look at the effect high fuel costs have on the health, finances and overall wellbeing of people living in rural areas.

It will also seek to understand what impact this is having on service providers such as the NHS, and the local economy.

The survey asks about illnesses affected by damp, ways of cutting fuel bills, and home insulation as part of a drive to make sure people living in rural areas receive the best possible services.

People living in cold damp homes, those off the gas network, and hard to heat homes are targets as part of the pilot.

The survey has been sent out in partnership with the Commission for Rural Communities and the Rural Services Network as part of a major national pilot project

Councillor Symon Fraser, portfolio holder for environment, waste, recycling, strategic highways and planning, said: "We know that this is an important issue affecting many of our most remote communities.

"There are also implications for our partner organisations like the fire and rescue service where increased reliance on open fires can also bring greater risks to life from hazards like chimney fires.

"Addressing this issue is already a priority in the area and the feedback that we hope to receive will allow us to re-focus our efforts where necessary."

Graham Russell, executive director of the Commission for Rural Communities, said: "More than 21 per cent of households in villages, isolated dwellings and hamlets are living in fuel poverty, compared to just 12 per cent of households in urban areas.

"We want local people to make their views known so we can work with Government to ensure programmes are effectively targeted at meeting the needs of rural communities and make the best possible impact in alleviating these issues".

Anyone who returns the survey in the freepost envelope provided also has the option to be entered into a prize draw for one of three £50 gift vouchers.