Robert Brown urges Glaswegians to contact helpline for advice and help on energy bills

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th Aug 2009

Local householders encouraged to prepare for next winter by contacting Home Heat Helpline now.

Glasgow MSP Robert Brown has today urged people across Glasgow who are concerned about managing their energy bills to contact the national Home Heat Helpline to get help and advice well ahead of winter returning later this year.

Following a visit to the Helpline, based in Finnieston, Mr Brown stressed how important it is for anyone across Glasgow struggling with energy bills - or simply wishing to make their home more energy efficient - to get in touch with the helpline (0800 33 66 99) and take action now while the weather is milder.

The national helpline has received over 100,000 calls since it launched in 2005.

Fuel poverty* disproportionately affects older people, single parents and those living with disabilities. One call to the Home Heat Helpline can provide access to a range of services including:

• The Priority Service Register which provides extra services for people who are elderly or disabled including bills in large text or Braille, security passwords and an annual gas safety check

• Grants for free home insulation

• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt

• Benefits entitlement checks

The Home Heat Helpline has received support from Help the Aged; Age Concern; Citizen's Advice; Energy Action Scotland; Energy Saving Trust; Counsel and Care and One Parent Families Scotland/ Gingerbread. The stepped-up service also allows worried householders or their relatives, friends and carers to make their enquiry over the internet at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

Lending his support to the Home Heat Helpline service, Mr Brown said:

"I want to ensure people across Glasgow who may be worried about their energy bills - particularly as the recession continues to squeeze household budgets - that there is help and advice available. What's more, it's better to find out what's out there and make sure it's well in place before the cold snap returns next winter.

"To do so, they simply have to call the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) for themselves, or on behalf of someone else who may be in fuel poverty. There will be advisors on standby who can help organise new tariffs, insulation grants and advice and support on how to keep warm and save money on their bills."