Households struggle to keep warm over Christmas
Festive season brings extra strain from rising energy costs
Last updated 26th Dec 2025
The Northamptonshire Community Foundation says many people in Northamptonshire are expected to struggle to pay for heating bills over the festive period.
The charity estimates around 38,000 people in the county are living in fuel poverty this winter, and rising seasonal costs mean many households face extra pressure in December.
This winter marks 15 years since the Northamptonshire Community Foundation's first Surviving Winter Appeal with donations going to local charities helping those in need.
During this time, the foundation has raised more than £275,000.
SERVE is a local charity supporting older and disabled residents and has previously received Surviving Winter funding. Its CEO, Tony Gibbs, said: “Their support genuinely allows us to reach people who might otherwise be completely alone at this time of year.”
With colder weather setting in and Christmas expenses increasing, Gibbs says more families are likely to ration heating or cut back on essentials to manage bills.
“It’s already tough at the moment, but it’s even tougher leading up to Christmas. Bills go up, the pressure rises, and everywhere you look you’re told it’s a season to be jolly.
‘’I’m fortunate – I’m in a warm office. But not everybody’s in that position, and we can’t forget that.”
The Surviving Winter Appeal is continuing through the Christmas season, supporting older and vulnerable residents who are most at risk.
More information about the Surviving Winter Appeal can be found at www.ncf.uk.com.