Log bank braced for surge in demand

Volunteers chop wood and deliver it to those in need using their own cars

A charity which provides wood to people struggling to heat their homes says it is braced for a surge in demand following the government's decision to remove winter fuel allowance from most pensioners.

Volunteers at Northumberland Log Bank, who deliver from October to April, said there has been an increase in request for help from people who have never used the service before.

Administrator Fiona Read said: "We know we're going to be busy because so many people are going to be hit by the change."

The government said it was committed to "supporting pensioners with the state pension set to rise by up to £1,700 this parliament".

The Northumberland Log Bank was set up in 2019 with the aim of helping people in fuel poverty.

Ms Read said: "Last season we delivered to up to 30 homes per week, which was made possible by the assistance of the Northumberland Fire Brigade, generous donations of wood from estates and farmers.

"Our team of volunteers gave their time for free and used their own vehicles.

"But demand was high. We had to reduce the number of bags we were taking to each household and we may have to do that again."

• Will pensioner increase make up for loss of winter fuel payments?

Some of the volunteers undergo chainsaw training so they can process wood on site

The charity has a base in Haydon Bridge and a temporary agreement with a charity trust in North Northumberland.

"We are looking for a more permanent base in the North of the county and would love to hear from anyone that is able to offer us space, such as a disused barn," Ms Read said.

The charity is run by 12 volunteers including Daniel Forshaw who joined last year, and has completed chainsaw training.

"If you can do something to help others, whatever the charitable cause, you should," he said.

In a statement a government spokesperson said: "Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

"Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills."