Fuel poverty is a severe problem in Shropshire, as the combination of rural locations, old draughty houses and low incomes mean that heating homes to a recommended standard of warmth takes a particularly heavy toll on resources. From 546 localities assessed by the Office for National Statistics in 2009, South Shropshire and North Shropshire were respectively ranked eighth and tenth worst, with approximately 30% of residents estimated to be struggling with fuel poverty. Bridgnorth and Oswestry regions were also listed in the worst thirty regions in the country. With rising energy prices and incomes increasingly stretched by the current economic climate, this problem is getting worse.

Elderly people are put at particular risk by cold homes, and the seriousness of the problem is exacerbated for individuals who lack mobility or suffer from poor health. By implementing the national Surviving Winter campaign in Shropshire we aim to help more elderly people keep their houses comfortably heated during the cold winter months, either by making grants to cover heating bills or installing insulation for particularly draughty homes. We will also help to fund alternative locations for keeping out of the cold, such as luncheon clubs, and offering more frequent opportunities for socializing in community centres by subsiding room and transport costs. Surviving Winter will contribute to the efforts of existing service providers working to support vulnerable individuals, and play its part in the effort to reduce Excess Winter Deaths in the county. 

Saga is supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal and has featured the campaign in the November edition of Saga Magazine:

“I am delighted to be supporting this brilliant initiative to help “recycle” winter fuel allowances from those who don’t need them, to help pensioners who do. We feel it is important, as part of a caring society, to enable people who want to help those who are at risk of fuel poverty to keep warm and well this winter.” Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga.

The campaign has also received backing from the National Energy Action (NEA) group, and a number of high-profile names such as Sir Terry Wogan, Sir David Jason, and Denise Robertson:

“This is an excellent way for local people to help some of the most vulnerable older people in their area. I'll certainly pass my payment on to the campaign, and encourage everybody who can to contribute towards it.” Sir Terry Wogan