Well-off pensioners donate winter fuel allowance to help less fortunate

Well-off pensioners who do not need their winter fuel payments are being encouraged to donate them to charity, in order to help less fortunate elderly people.

Similar schemes have spread across the UK after an initial appeal was launched by the Somerset Community Foundation.

The funds are allocated to local charities which work with vulnerable elderly people, such as Accessible Transport West Somerset, which operates an affordable door-to-door transport scheme across the area.

The universal state benefit of between £125 and £400, depending on age and circumstances, is made to everyone over 60.

Video Journalist: Andrew Humphrey

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