Suffolk Surviving Winter campaign after winter fuel axe

The appeal feels timelier than ever as it has been revealed more than 170,000 Suffolk residents - an estimated 90% of older people living in the county - are now no longer entitled to receive the winter fuel payment.

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government would restrict the payment to pensioners receiving pension credits or other means tested benefits, arguing the new administration had to make tough financial decisions.

The decision has proved controversial and sparked concerns from charities that people may be left facing a heat-or-eat dilemma, with fuel prices remaining much higher than they were before Russia's war in Ukraine.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said back in July the winter fuel payment would be cut (Image: Ben Whitley/PA)

Suffolk Community Foundation estimates that fuel poverty is at its highest in the county for decades - with more than 100,000 people struggling to pay for heating and living costs.

Given this context, the foundation is asking anyone who is able to give a donation to get in touch and support pensioners struggling to heat their homes.

As so many pensioners are now ineligible to receive winter fuel payment the foundation is now unable to ask those who didn't need the payment to donate it to others.

The launch of the Surviving Winter campaign last year (Image: Eastern Education Group)

Anna Hughes, interim chief executive at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “Surviving Winter is now in its 14th year and has raised more than £1.5million so far.

"This has provided a lifeline for many thousands of people by helping them to stay safe and warm as the weather turns colder.

Anna Hughes, of Suffolk Community Foundation (Image: Simply C Photography)

“However, the changes which are being made nationally mean that the need for support is now even greater than ever. Many older people are extremely anxious about the high cost of energy and are having to make difficult choices between heating and eating every single day.

“But Surviving Winter can help – which is why we are appealing to anyone who feels able to donate to consider doing so.

"By working together, we can make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

A donation of £175 could help a pensioner pay for gas and electricity, while £350 could help provide 300 litres of heating oil.

The Surviving Winter appeal has returned this year (Image: Suffolk Community Foundation)

You can make a donation online, call 01473 602602 or visit any branch of Suffolk Building Society to make a payment over the counter.

Suffolk residents who are aged 66 or over who aren't receiving pension credit are potentially eligible for support. 

To qualify for support, pensioners must have a maximum savings of £5,000 and an annual income of no more than £20,000 - or £24,000 for a couple.