Energy bills support scheme

More than 400 charities, organisations and advisers, including some in Lanarkshire, have signed up to refer Scots struggling with their energy bills to a £4million support fund.

The Scottish Government scheme is being administered by national advice service Advice Direct Scotland, and “referral partners” can still register to help their clients hit by the cost-ofliving crisis.

Targeted funding from the Home Heating Support Fund will reflect each individual’s circumstances, with extra support available for households where one person is over 75, living with a disability or illness, and/or living in a remote or island community.

Payments start at £100, rising to £1000, to clear outstanding debt, with the money paid directly to suppliers on behalf of the household.

Eligibility is based on households which are “self-rationing” their energy, meaning those who are deliberately limiting their energy use so that they can afford to spend money on other goods or services.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Since launching the scheme, more than 400 referral partners have registered and we’re receiving hundreds of applications on behalf of their clients who are struggling with energy bills.

“This demonstrates the scale of the cost-of-living crisis. But we know there are more people out there who need support, so we encourage any charities, housing associations, or community organisations which provide energy or debt advice to register with us.

“This fund will prove absolutely crucial in ensuring that households who have been hit the hardest can continue to heat their homes and feed their families.”

The fund is open until March 31 and applications can be made on behalf of individuals by “referral partners” via www.homeheatingadvice.scot