LORELY BURT MP URGES PEOPLE IN SOLIHULL TO KEEP WARM BY CALLING HOME HEAT HELPLINE (Walsall Liberal Democrats)

Walsall Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

LORELY BURT MP URGES PEOPLE IN SOLIHULL TO KEEP WARM BY CALLING HOME HEAT HELPLINE

March 16, 2009 12:00 AM

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is calling on people who are concerned about heating their homes to call the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) for free advice and financial support.

It is estimated there are approximately 2,208 people in Solihull living in fuel poverty who are spending over 10 per cent of their income on paying their fuel bills. Fuel poverty disproportionately affects older people, single parents and those living with disabilities. One call to the free helpline can provide direct support through access to reduced tariffs, grants for free home insulation and flexible payment options, as well as the disconnection safety net to ensure that vulnerable customers will not be cut off even if they are unable to pay their bill.

Lorely said:

"I want to ensure that people in Solihull keep warm as temperatures remain low and the credit crunch continues to squeeze household budgets. That's why I'm urging anyone in Solihull who is concerned about their fuel costs or those of a relative, neighbour or friend, to call the Home Heat Helpline free of charge on 0800 33 66 99. 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."

The Home Heat Helpline has received support from Help the Aged, Age Concern, Citizen's Advice, National Energy Action, Energy Saving Trust, Counsel and Care and One Parent Families/ Gingerbread. As part of its winter campaign, the stepped-up service will allow worried householders or their relatives and friends to make online enquiries and receive advice and support over the internet at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

The campaign has been supported by BBC star Richard Wilson and paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. Richard Wilson who helped re-launch the Home Heat Helpline, said:

"I'm worried people are not getting the support they are entitled to on energy bills - whether it's pensioners, single parents or people with disabilities, there are special rates, support through free insulation and wider help out there all for the taking. But people need to know what's available - that's why I am asking everyone who thinks they may qualify for support to call the Home Heat Helpline today!"