The Cost of Cold

Letter to the editor:

Age UK Isle of Wight's CEO, Rachel McKernan writes an open letter to all editors of local press with hopes of recruiting support from Island residents to join us in urging our local MP and the Prime Minister to take urgent action to protect older people from the energy crisis.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

We, at Age UK Isle of Wight are extremely concerned that soaring energy prices and the onset of freezing temperatures could force many older people on the Isle of Wight to ration their heating or cut back on hot meals this winter.

All independent Age UK’s are uniting to support our national The Cost of Cold campaign, we are urging the Government to help those who are most in need over the coming months. Cutting the VAT rate on energy bills and providing a one-off £500 payment to all those eligible for Cold Weather Payments would make a huge difference to many of the poorest households. 

We’re also asking people to support our campaign by writing to their local MP to highlight how much rising energy bills could hurt older people this winter. More information can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk/the-cost-of-cold

With over 1.1 million older households in the UK likely to be in fuel poverty by spring, it is vital that the Government takes urgent action to help older people stay warm and well all year round.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind our older residents that if you are in need of any support, Age UK Isle of Wight are here, offering free, impartial, Information & Advice, Welfare benefits advice and Winter support packages.

Yours Sincerely, 

Rachel McKernan 

Age UK Isle of Wight CEO