RMBF Winter fuel allowance helps to combat fuel poverty
The recent cold weather has been a timely reminder of an important part of the RMBF’s work – Winter fuel allowances.
Over the past 5 years, the cost of domestic energy has risen significantly above the Retail Price Index leading to a dramatic increase in the number of homes living in fuel poverty. A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change’s most recent annual report on fuel poverty statistics was published on 14th July 2011. The report stated that nearly 5.5 million homes in the UK were under the fuel poverty line in 2009, with a rising tend. In some areas up to 30% of the households are in fuel poverty. Those particularly at risk are the retired over 60s.
It's so cold... I can now put my heating on thanks to the RMBF
Every year the RMBF Case Committee meet to discuss how we can help those in particular risk of being in fuel poverty during the winter. This year we awarded additional funds to all of our beneficiaries over the age of 65, those with illnesses that put them at specific risk or those with small children.
The RMBF is committed to providing care and assistance for the most vulnerable members of the medical profession. Our Winter fuel allowances are just one way that we can look after those that most need us.