Barnsley Council is supporting the national Surviving Winter Appeal which is being coordinated in South Yorkshire by the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.

The appeal was originally inspired by individuals who wanted to donate their Winter Fuel Payment (which this winter is £300 for those aged 80 and above and £200 for those aged between 60 and 80) to support older and vulnerable people who are less fortunate than themselves.

However, now everyone who can is being encouraged to make a donation to help less fortunate households combat fuel poverty and stay warm throughout the winter months.


A number of national celebrities such as Sir Terry Wogan, Sir David Jason and Barnsley's own Sir Michael Parkinson are also backing the campaign.

It is estimated that in 2010 there were about 20,500 households, many of them elderly, in Barnsley living in fuel poverty. Such households have to spend at least 10 per cent of their income on heating and many will endure cold and damp living conditions for fear of not being able to pay their fuel bills.

The council's Cabinet spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture, Cllr Tim Cheetham, said: "The recent hikes in energy prices have pushed many more households across the borough into fuel poverty.

"The Surviving Winter Appeal is one way that we can help to look after those in greatest need this winter and I would urge all those who are in a position to make a donation to do so, no matter how small."

(CD)