Published at 21:39, Wednesday, 11 January 2012

RSABI, Scotland’s only charity dedicated to helping people who have depended on the land, is urging those who do not need their winter fuel allowance to donate it to someone with greater need.

The charity, formerly the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution, says the government pays the allowance to everyone aged over 60, regardless of financial need or circumstances.

At this time of year keeping warm can be one of the most significant challenges facing those on low fixed incomes. Old housing stock in exposed rural locations, limited fuel choices and significant delivery costs combine to make staying warm a major expense, even before considering the needs of the elderly and infirm.

By donating their allowance, those who have no need of it themselves can help improve the living conditions of those unable to afford their fuel bills and heat their homes.

Maurice Hankey, chief executive of RSABI, said: “The system has been unable to address rising fuel costs, perpetuating the hardship of those who fear the next bill arriving and choose to leave their heating switched off.

“If you receive the allowance but do not really need it to keep yourself warm, please consider donating it to RSABI so we can pass it on to someone for whom it really would make a difference. We guarantee every donation received will go straight to someone from the land-based sector in need of a warmer home.

“If you are someone in need of help to keep yourself warm, contact RSABI to see whether we can be of help.”

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