A Lanarkshire MSP has welcomed the home heating support fund for locals struggling with their energy bills.
Christina McKelvie says “no one should ever have to make the choice between heating or eating” as the £4million Scottish Government scheme is introduced.
The MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse fears the growing cost of living could put people into crisis as the new funding aims to prevent locals falling into fuel poverty.
Last year, a poll found that nearly a third of Scots had rationed their energy use so they could afford to spend money on other goods and services.
With recent price rises and a further steep increase in bills due in April, there are growing concerns about the impact on households.
The £4million Scottish Government scheme, which is administered by national advice service Advice Direct Scotland and registrations for help can be made until March 31.
More than 400 charities, organisations and advisers have already signed up as ‘referral partners’ so they can make applications on behalf of their clients. Applications can be made on behalf of individuals by referral partners through homeheatingadvice.scot.
Ms McKelvie has encouraged any local residents struggling with their energy bills to seek support from the fund through the energy and/or debt organisation currently providing them with advice, or by completing a household application via an online form.
Commenting, the SNP MSP told Lanarkshire Live : “Enegry bills have soared over the past few months and have the possibility to push people into a living crisis.
"I welcome support from the Scottish Government to help people across Scotland, including those in my constituency of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
“No one should ever have to make the choice between heating or eating.”
Individual households in Scotland can also now apply directly to the fund.
Applicants will need to provide evidence they have received advice from an accredited debt or energy advice agency.
And anyone struggling with the application can contact Advice Direct Scotland advisers for free on 0808 800 9060, who can also make applications to the fund on their behalf.
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.
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 essentials.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This fund is making a massive difference for Scots who are facing huge debts and are being forced to cut back on essentials to heat their homes.
“We have already issued more than £1million on behalf of the Scottish Government to support Scots struggling with their energy bills.
“More and more referral partners are registering to help their clients as the cost-of-living crisis escalates.
“We’re pleased that we can now make it possible for direct household applications via an online form.
“Our advisers are working hard to provide free advice to people across Scotland at this difficult time for so many, and more and more referral partners are registering to help their clients as the cost-of-living crisis escalates.”
Local can apply online here.
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