The scheme offers a £100 one-off grant, in response to the growing difficulties many working people are currently having paying their essential fuel bills. The grant, only previously available to individuals aged 60 and above has now been extended to include all those who work within the industry but receive a low income.
Penny Moore, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: “Now the weather has turned, many people within our industry are being forced to go without heating. A number of our beneficiaries are making cutbacks on food shopping and in turn are risking their health as a result.
“If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the rise in fuel prices this winter please contact us. We want to alleviate some of the financial stress that many families are going through at this time of year.”
The expansion is especially relevant as the average ‘Big Six’ standard tariff bill is at £1,315 compared to £819 just five years ago, according to thisismoney.co.uk. Furthermore, a recent poll by MoneySupermarket found that 69% of people were concerned about bills increasing as a result of colder weather, while 30% said they would spend less on the weekly grocery shopping or swap brands for supermarket equivalents, in an attempt to save money.
The deadline to apply for a Winter Fuel Grant is 31st March 2015. For further information and the application form, visit: http://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/what-we-do/grants/. To make a donation to Hospitality Action this Christmas visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/donate