Pensioners give up winter fuel payments
Generous pensioners have given up their winter fuel allowance to help people struggling to meet their fuel bills.
Nearly £30,000 has been donated to the campaign to keep elderly and vulnerable warm in Sussex this winter since it was launched in November 2012.
Meanwhile £20,000 will be given to individuals in cash grants with an extra £10,000 to be given out to community groups keeping older people warm across West Sussex.
It is estimated that 3,500 household in Crawley (8.4 per cent) are in fuel poverty, which means the homes cannot be kept adequately warm on the occupants’ income.
The Surviving Winter campaign was set up by Sussex Community Foundation.
Chief executive Kevin Richmond said: “We have been bowled over by people’s generosity. People have been donating online, sending cheques and even coming into our Lewes offices to hand in donations to the appeal.”
The money will be distributed by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Age UK directly to older and vulnerable people who need help to keep warm this winter.
The money from unneeded Winter Fuel Payments has been boosted by a cash injection from the Department of Health’s ‘Warm Homes Healthy People Fund’.
An elderly woman from Crawley told the CAB how she was suffering poor health and financial hardship after a reduction in disability benefits.
Struggling to pay her energy bill she received a Surviving Winter payment of £125.
She said: “Received with many thanks – one thing less to worry about.”
For information, contact Mary Carruthers on 01273 409440. Donations to the Sussex Surviving Winter appeal can be made online at www.localgiving.com/sussexcf. To find out if you are eligible contact Age UK West Sussex 01903 731 800.
or in Horsham 01403 260 560 or Central & South Sussex CAB – 0844 477 1171.
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Weather for Crawley
Monday 20 May 2013
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Temperature: 14 C to 18 C
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