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A recent Macmillan survey found that one in five cancer patients turn the heating off even though they are cold, because they're worried about rising fuel bills. Many people don't realise that cancer patients do not automatically qualify for help. Help us freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients.
One minute to spare? Sign our pledge |and show your support.
Two minutes to spare? Write to your MP |( or AM, MSP or MLA) or local newspaper to let them know how important this issue is to you.
Five minutes to spare? Join our online community |and have your say in the fuel poverty group.
Ten minutes to spare? Spread the word on Facebook |and Twitter |, and print out our useful factsheet [PDF, 74kb] |so you can pass it on to others.
Spending more time at home during recovery, and the effects of the treatment, mean that cancer patients use more fuel to stay warm. This leads to higher bills at a time when they may also be coping with reduced incomes.
Macmillan research shows that among cancer patients of working age, seven out of ten suffer a reduced income, losing on average 50%. Nobody with cancer should be left in the cold this winter because they cannot afford to heat their home.
Everyone should be able to keep warm and comfortable during treatment without being caused undue stress about how to pay the bills. Macmillan is campaigning for more help for cancer patients struggling to cope with rising fuel bills.
The winter fuel payment is an annual payment of between £125 and £400 made to everyone over 60 to help with fuel bills. We want to see this extended to cancer patients in need, where it could provide immediate help.
People with cancer should be eligible for social tariffs, and included in the new mandatory price support, which would give them a much-needed discount on their fuel bills.
Both the government and energy companies should do more to raise awareness of the help available to people with cancer.
Macmillan has joined other organisations in Wales to develop a fuel poverty charter, highlighting the urgent action needed to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales. Find out more.|
Hear how the cold weather and expensive fuel bills affect Dennis as he lives with cancer.
Posted by lynn02
Posted by garyr3uk
Posted by jennyred
It helps to have real stories from people with experiences of this issue. If you've been affected by cancer and are struggling to pay your fuel bills, let us know.
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Macmillan has lots of information and support to help people cope with the financial impact of cancer:
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