HOSPITALITY ACTION EXTENDS WINTER FUEL GRANTS PROGRAMME

Industry charity Hospitality Action has extended its vital Winter Fuel Grants Programme to include people of a working age. The initiative strives to support those currently working in the hospitality industry who are struggling to keep warm this winter.

The already popular Winter Fuel Grants Programme offers a £100 one-off grant, in response to the growing difficulties many working people are currently having paying their essential fuel bills. The grant, only previously available to individuals aged 60 and above, has now been extended to include all those who work within the hospitality industry but receive a low income.

The expansion is especially relevant as the average Big Six standard tariff bill is at an eye-watering £1,315 compared to £819 just five years ago ¹. Furthermore a recent poll found that 69% of people were concerned about bills increasing as a result of colder weather, while 30% said they would spend less on the weekly grocery shopping or swap brands for supermarket equivalents, in an attempt to save money ².

Penny Moore, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, says: “Now the weather has turned, many people within our industry are being forced to go without heating. A number of our beneficiaries are making cutbacks on food shopping and in turn are risking their health as a result. If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the rise in fuel prices this winter please contact us. We want to alleviate some of the financial stress that many families are going through at this time of year.”

The deadline to apply for a Winter Fuel Grant is 31^st March 2015. For further information and the application form, visit: http://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/what-we-do/grants/. To make a donation to Hospitality Action this Christmas visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/donate