Hospitality Action extends grants scheme to help with winter fuel payments

Industry charity Hospitality Action has extended its Winter Fuel Grants Programme to help all people of working age with their winter fuel payments.

The programme offers a £100 one-off grant in order to help people in the hospitality industry on a low income with their essential fuel bills, and was previously available to individuals over 60 and above.

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.”

She added - “If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the rise in fuel prices this winter please contact us.”

The expansion is especially relevant as the average Big Six standard tariff bill is now at £1,315 compared to £819 five years ago.

Furthermore, a recent poll 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, click here.