Shocking fuel statistic

This shocking statistic was released by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation as it launched its Surviving Winter campaign.

According to the Foundation, Britain is second only to Estonia in the number of people struggling to pay their energy bills.

It flags up a fuel poverty crisis which will leave far too many in finanical difficulty this winter, particularly with increasing prices.

Chief executive Mark West said: “We have to do more to help.

“Around 30,000 households across the county spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel and may have to choose between heating and eating.

“Last year we raised over £20,000 to support the most vulnerable in our society and with fuel prices continuing to rise, we feel we must do even more this year to address the issue.

“The Foundation aims to work with charities that support the elderly, the vulnerable, the homeless and those in poverty to reduce hardship and help those in poor health over this period.”

> To support BLCF’s work call 01234 834930 or visit www.blcf.org.uk