Take advantage of the help and support with energy bills

With winter underway, Tom Greatrex MP is calling on his constituents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to ensure they are taking advantage of free help and support with energy bills.

As many people will grow more and more concerned about paying their bills, the local MP is offering suggestions on how they can save money.

Tom is Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister.

He said:“There are a number of simple things that every constituent can do to make sure they’re doing all they can to keep their energy bills down.

“Sometimes it’s not always clear to people who they can call, what support is out there and how they can get it – I hope by raising awareness of the help that is available, more people will get access to the help that they’re entitled to this winter.”

Help and advice from organisation The Home Heat Helpline provides advice on how to access support from your energy supplier, including free insulation and the Warm Home Discount. They are available on 0800 336 699.

The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline is provided by the UK Government – The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment to help older people keep warm during winter. Constituents may qualify if they were born before July 5 1952. For more information, the helpline can be contacted on 0845 915 1515.

Energy Savings Trust Scotland provide advice on saving energy and grants to make the home warmer, and can be contacted on 0808 808 2282.

The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPs) is a Scottish Government initiative to tackle fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency in homes. They can be contacted on 0808 808 2282.

For more general advice on what help you are entitled to, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or call Citizens Advice Scotland on 0808 800 9060.

Tom added:“It is really important to be prepared for winter, and it’s also really important that people who are entitled to help with their bills are aware that’s the case – I would urge anyone who isn’t sure if they’re entitled to support to contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau, as it could make a real difference in making sure energy bills stay as low as possible this winter.”