Support for Macmillan fuel poverty campaign

That is why I am writing to back Macmillan Cancer Support’s campaign to freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients.

Feeling colder and having to spend more time at home during recovery mean many cancer patients have higher fuel bills – arriving at a time when household income has often dropped. A recent Macmillan survey found that one in five patients turned the heating off even when they were cold, because of worries about paying the bills.

No-one living with cancer should be left out of pocket this winter because they can’t afford to heat their home. Macmillan is urging the Government to extend the winter fuel payment to cancer patients. This annual payment is currently paid to everyone over 60, but could bring immediate relief to vulnerable cancer patients struggling with additional fuel costs.

Unless extra action is taken now, fuel poverty in vulnerable households will never go away. Join the campaign at www.macmillan.org.uk/fuelpoverty and add your name to the freeze out fuel poverty pledge.

Macmillan can help if you’re struggling to cope with the financial effects of cancer. Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.

Yours, James Sloan Gibson

Ballymena