Fears over call for means-tested winter fuel payments
Community
A good cause that helps the elderly hopes it will not be left out in the cold over the winter fuel allowance debate.
A Liberal Democrat MP has said the allowance – given to pensioners and worth up to £300 – should be means tested to help cut costs under a reformed system of care for the elderly.
But Age UK Dacorum, which last month launched a free home energy saving scheme, says old folk are struggling and fuel prices are still on the rise.
Community fundraiser for the charity Michelle Law said: “Age UK’s stance is, yes of course we appreciate that we need to fund the money to cover these care costs for older people, but whether or not that is the right way of doing it we are not too sure. We would really like to talk more with the government on how we can reach a solution to this.” It is estimated that in the UK six million older people are living in fuel poverty and some close to home in Dacorum are forced to shut off their heating to save cash.
For home energy efficiency help call Age UK Dacorum on 01442 259049.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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