A WIRRAL charity is to help distribute a new £2m fund to help stop people making desperate ‘heating or eating’ choices this winter.

The Cadent Foundation's first Winter Support Fund, launched today (Thursday, November 30), aims to offer energy and food support for people living in the most vulnerable situations and will be distributed through a network of 10 charity partners the foundation already works with, including Wallasey-based Energy Project Plus.

The fund, launched on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, is designed to allow charities offering energy and money guidance to have rapid access to additional financial resources, helping to make an immediate impact for people needing extra support.

New research by market research company Opinion Matters reveals almost all (89%) UK adults with a household income of £29,500 or less are finding it challenging to cover their household bills.

Two-fifths stated said they are struggling with energy bills and do not know where to turn.

The Cadent Foundation was established in July 2019. Its managing director, Ranjit Blythe, said: "As part of our focus on tackling fuel poverty, the Cadent Foundation has strong partnerships with incredible charities offering energy efficiency and money management advice, together with practical energy saving interventions.

"With the number of people living in fuel poverty sitting at 6.3 million this year, according to National Energy Action, we know this fund won’t provide the much-needed long-term solution for tackling this issue.

"But hopefully, by giving charities the option to make a quick financial impact, it will make the decision on whether to eat or heat their homes, a little easier for people this winter.”

The food and energy vouchers will be available to people living in the most vulnerable situations and who Cadent Foundation’s current charity partners are supporting with energy efficiency and money management guidance.

The funding boost will be available between December and March and has the potential to support thousands of homes across the country in areas of high deprivation.

Each household can receive up to two vouchers, with the option of also having up to £100 to spend on essential heating and cooking appliances, such as heated blankets, slow cookers and air fryers.

Gillian Cooper, director of energy at Citizens Advice, one of the charity partners involved in the project, added: "The ability to provide vouchers to people facing immediate hardship means we can help some get access to electrical goods and prevent others from having to make the impossible choice between heating, eating or keeping the lights on.”