This winter, Age UK is calling for a new package of support, including a £50 grant to those eligible for Cold Weather Payments, and a big boost to the Household Support Fund that councils distribute to tackle fuel poverty in their areas. Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “Keeping our older population safe and well should be a top priority for the Government this winter.”
———————
Soaring energy prices could plunge 1.1 million of the poorest pensioner households into “fuel poverty”, unable to heat their homes without plunging below the poverty line.
Ms Abrahams said pensioners will be forced to choose between heating their homes or eating this winter.
She added: “Doing either is a potential risk to their health, especially if they are living with serious underlying health conditions.”
Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, has also called for an extension and expansion of the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and Warm Home Discount.
He said urgent action is needed to help the poor, elderly and vulnerable this winter,…
