A Wirral charity is to help inject a share of ‘emergency’ support funding into communities across the borough struggling with fuel poverty this winter.

The Cadent Foundation has today (Wednesday) announced the injection of a two million pound ‘emergency’ Support Fund nationally to help people living in fuel poverty this winter.

The Winter Support Fund will be distributed through Cadent Foundation's charity partner Energy Project Plus (Wallasey), Citizens Advice and Groundwork, which helps tackle hardship in communities. 

The fund is designed to allow charity partners – already offering energy and money guidance across vulnerable communities – rapid access to additional financial resources, helping to make an immediate impact for people needing extra support.

Ranjit Blythe, managing director of the Cadent Foundation, said: "It’s a mistake for anyone to think that the cost-of-living crisis is over and we’ve seen, first-hand, through all of our projects, the impact of fuel poverty on the most vulnerable.

"With the recent price cap changes and removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners, we're worried that those who may have just about managed last year, will now be tipped into fuel poverty."

With research also revealing that almost 70 per cent of UK adults feel worried about what their energy bills will be this winter and over 50 per cent trying to prepare for higher bills now, the Cadent Foundation is expecting to reach thousands of people with its additional support.

Mr Blythe continued: "Last year's fund allowed us to test and learn and really understand what help people needed quickly but this year.

"While fuel poverty doesn’t discriminate on age, we do expect to target a larger share of our fund towards elderly people needing more of a helping hand.”

The Winter Support Fund will be distributed through Cadent Foundation's charity partner Energy Project Plus (Wallasey).

Each household receiving support can get up to two vouchers, with the option of also having access to essential heating and cooking appliances.

Items available include food vouchers, energy vouchers, slow cookers, air fryers, self-heating mattress toppers, duvets, heated blankets, foot warmers, mini ovens and microwaves.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, added: “Our Green Doctor energy advisers work all year round to help those most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of cold, damp homes, and we have seen no let-up in demand. Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance will cause additional hardship and distress.

"This funding boost from the Cadent Foundation is enormously welcome and will give our Green Doctors the opportunity to offer immediate support to families who really need our help this winter.”