Campaign calls for Winter Fuel Payments to be donated
Well-off pensioners urged to donate their Winter Fuel Payments to the Surviving Winter campaign.
This year’s Surviving Winter appeal, which encourages pensioners who are comfortable financially to donate their Winter Fuel Payments to the vulnerable, has launched.
Last year the campaign raised £1.46 million and helped 23,000 people. It has now expanded and is accepting donations from all ages – not just pensioners who don’t need the Winter Fuel Payment.
UK Community Foundations, the organisation behind the Surviving Winter campaign, highlighted figures from the Office for National Statistics that suggest 30,000 more people in England and Wales died in the winter months as a result of cold conditions, up by 29% on previous years. As Stephen Hammersley, chief executive of UK Community Foundations, said: "People are quite simply dying of the cold in this country."
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 which is given to those born on or before 5th July 1952. It is designed to help older people cover the increased cost of their heating bills during the winter months.
Most payments are made automatically between November and December, so that you receive the money in time for Christmas. The money you receive doesn’t affect your right to claim other benefits.
Where does the donated money go?
Donations cover everything from individual bursaries for fuel bills and hot water bottles to boiler repairs and even lunch clubs for older people.
How do I donate?
There are 36 community foundations taking part in the Surviving Winter campaign. You can find the list on this section of the UK Community Foundations website and donate to your local campaign. Alternatively, you can donate to the central campaign, and your money will be distributed evenly to all of the foundations.
What do you think? Will you be donating your Winter Fuel Payment this year? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments box below.
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