Help available for home heating
Monday, 12 December 2011
A new helpline has been established in order to help households identify where they might be eligible for financial assistance for paying fuel bills. The Home Heat helpline was launched last week at an event in Parliament with the support of Dragon’s Den judge Hilary Davey to help rectify a perceived unawareness amongst members of the public about the possible support on offer.
Those who believe they might be eligible for assistance can ring 0800 33 66 99 and speak to an adviser about their situation and establish what help might be available.
Local MP John Pugh attended the launch and remarked:
"Having heard that 16% of homes in Southport could be eligible for assistance, and with an average of £250 available, I believe it extremely important that those who think they might qualify ring the helpline as soon as possible.
"Times are hard, but people should not have to turn down the heating this winter to save on their bills. The UK has one of the highest winter deaths rates in Europe and the help provided could make all the difference to a local household. I would ask that people look to spread the news of the helpline so that we can ensure that Southport residents get the help they need.
"The helpline is a free service which will help people to identify what support they might be eligible for. There is a whole range of help available and the helpline will enable people to sort through an otherwise fairly confusing mix of services to identify exactly what and how much financial assistance is on offer to them.’
Photo: John Pugh photographed with Dragon Hilary Davey at the launch of Home Heat