Mick Bates AM urges people in Montgomeryshire to contact helpline for advice and help on energy bills (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Mick Bates AM urges people in Montgomeryshire to contact helpline for advice and help on energy bills

October 19, 2009 12:00 AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates is urging people across Montgomeryshire who are concerned about managing their energy bills to contact the national Home Heat Helpline to get help and advice as winter approaches.

Mick Bates stressed how important it is for anyone across the constituency 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. 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:

• Advice on reduced or 'social' tariffs which offer customers affordable prices

• Benefits entitlement checks to see if you're missing out

• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt

• Grants for free home insulation

• 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

The Home Heat Helpline has received support from Help the Aged/Age Concern Cymru; Care and Repair Cymru; Consumer Focus Cymru and NEA Cymru. 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

Mick Bates AM Lending their support to the Home Heat Helpline service Mick Bates said:

"As the recession continues to squeeze household budgets it is crucial that there is help and advice available to people across Montgomeryshire who may be worried about their fuel bills. It's better to find out what support is available and make sure it's well in place before the cold weather returns next winter.

"To do so, individuals 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."

For more information, ring the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk