Energy rebate fuelling South Yorkshire hardship fund

A NEW emergency fund has been launched to help people struggling to cope with rising bills – thanks to the generosity of those donating energy repayment payments.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation launched the initiative in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The South Yorkshire Cost of Living Fund, which has so far seen £3,000 pledged, was created by SYCF to support community groups to deliver projects alleviating the impact of the crisis, and is funded by people donating their energy rebate from the government.

Mr Coppard said: “As we head into winter, I know just how many people in South Yorkshire are worrying about feeding their families or heating their homes.

“Our communities shouldn’t have to face those challenges alone.”

Mr Coppard said the link-up with SYCF would help “get money directly to those groups and organisations helping people through this crisis, doing incredible, important work across our region”.

SYCF said that one in three children are thought to be living in poverty in South Yorkshire, with fuel poverty also a major concern.

Ruth Willis, chief executive of SYCF, said: “The cost of living is affecting many people in our region through increases in food prices, fuel poverty and energy bills.

“We hope that the donations made will strike a chord with people who want to help their local community by directing their energy bill rebate to those who need it.

“We would encourage anyone who wants to donate their energy bill rebate and all South Yorkshire stakeholders to come together and support this fund.”

A JustGiving page has been launched to collect donations. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SouthYorkshireCostOfLivingFund to donate.