Q & A
What is the Surviving Winter Appeal?
Surviving Winter is a 2011 UK-wide co-ordinated campaign to encourage people to make donations to help older and vulnerable people suffering from fuel poverty this winter. The MK Community Foundation is co-ordinating the campaign for Milton Keynes.
Where did the idea come from?
The campaign was inspired by people who wanted to donate their Winter Fuel Payment from the government to support older and vulnerable people who are less fortunate than themselves.
Who is backing the Campaign?
Media supporter: Saga, Endorsed by: NEA The National Energy Action Charity
Why is there such a need?
With soaring fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, older and vulnerable people are at risk. 5.4 million UK households are living in fuel poverty including over 6,000 households in Milton Keynes. Almost half of those living in fuel poverty in the UK are aged over 60.
Energy price rises since 2009 will have pushed that number up further: it is estimated that a 10% increase in energy prices plunges a further 600-700,000 households into fuel poverty, and the recent announcements from the energy suppliers show that this autumn, gas will increase by about 20% and electricity by about 10%.
Ofgem estimated in January 2011 that the annual cost of energy for an average house was £1,032, so these forthcoming increases alone will cost pensioner householders more or less their entire £200 Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter weather also takes a harsh toll on the health of older people. Last winter there were an estimated 25,400 excess winter deaths amongst those aged 65 or older.
Cold weather exacerbates coronary and respiratory illnesses, illnesses associated with older people. For every winter-related death there will be dozens of other people suffering with illness and hardship, many facing a difficult choice between eating and heating.
Where do your fuel poverty figures come from?
The NHS and grass-roots organisations which deal daily with the old and vulnerable and which community foundations fund. Deaths by category are recorded throughout the year by the Office of National Statistics; there is a notable increase in the winter months – an excess when measured against the norm – which is directly attributable to cold conditions and the inability of older, poorer people in particular to deal with them. The National Energy Agency pulls together statistics at both national and regional level. The Department of Energy and Climate Change produces an annual report on fuel poverty.
How will you the funds be used?
All of the money raised in Milton Keynes will be used to provide support to older and vulnerable people who are suffering because of the winter weather. Typically funds raised will fund: blankets and duvets, emergency food and clothing, draft proofing, door and window repairs, kettles, hot water bottles, path clearance, space heaters.
The appeal is aimed at supporting those most in need of help, making sure they can stay warm, eat well and remain mobile, and in more practical ways like ensuring they can make doctor’s appointments, get to the shops and maintain an active social life.
How is the money collected?
Community Foundations all over the UK are making themselves available as channels through which people can donate to benefit directly people who are vulnerable and at risk because of the winter period and fuel poverty.
How are the funds effectively distributed?
MK Community Foundation are partnering with local VCS organisations, Age UK Milton Keynes, The Food Bank, YMCA, and SSAFA Forces Help to ensure the funds reach those on the front line facing winter related crises.
We will award grants/floats to these organisations from which they will purchase goods on behalf of the people they are in contact and who need extra support in the winter.
We also are looking for opportunities to support the work of the groups to meet the needs of their members and clients during the winter because they often provide an essential lifeline.
Who is eligible for support?
Anyone over 60 or vulnerable who receives (or qualifies for) state benefits or is otherwise determined to be suffering financial/winter related hardship.
Are you only asking older people to donate their WFP?
No. Anyone can donate to this appeal however those in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment but do not NEED it, will be specifically targeted. The latter is a clear and easy way to capture people’s attention and for donors to make a contribution they feel they can afford.
We will be encouraging everyone with the means to make a donation to support our appeal to help older and vulnerable people.
Isn’t this campaign going to encourage the Government to bring in means-testing?
A few people have expressed concern that the campaign could be used by government as a reason for reviewing winter fuel payments. There is no political agenda behind this campaign, it is our view that providing a channel for people, including those who receive a winter fuel payment, to help others is “policy neutral”.
How much will it cost to run the campaign?
Our aim is for every penny donated to be directed where it is needed. As far as practicable our aim is to cover administrative costs by gift aid payments which mean, effectively, the Government, not our donors, meet these costs.
What will you do with any surplus funds?
Any surplus from distribution will be used to support the broader work of community foundations in tackling the needs of the elderly and vulnerable around the UK and particularly projects that reduce fuel poverty such as advice on energy efficiency.
