3 December 2010
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today commented on research published by the New Policy Institute showing that despite tough economic times and the cold weather, millions of people are missing out on free help with their energy bills.
The research suggests that this is because people think the assistance on offer is not meant for ‘people like me’.
According to the research, published by the New Policy Institute (NPI) on behalf of the Home Heat Helpline, there are 5.2 million households across the country that could claim free insulation grants and reduced tariffs from their energy companies. But despite the fact that people could typically save £260 a year on their energy bills, only 12% have actually claimed free help.
Mr Aldous said:
“This research suggests that there are many households in the Waveney area struggling with the cold weather and difficult economic circumstances who could benefit from help with their energy bills. I encourage anyone who is struggling to call the helpline to see if they are eligible for help.”
The Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is a free, not for profit phone line set up by Britain’s energy companies to help customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills and keep warm. Constituents can also access the service online by visiting www.homeheathelpline.org.uk. The Helpline is managed by the Energy Retail Association and paid for by contributions from Britain’s major energy companies. The service is backed by a range of support organisations including Age UK; Citizens Advice; National Energy Action; Energy Saving Trust; Counsel and Care and Gingerbread.
The Helpline’s trained advisers can provide eligible customers with access to one or more of the following services:
• Grants for free cavity wall and loft insulation
• Reduced or ‘social’ tariffs
• 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
• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt
• Benefits entitlement checks
The research suggests that this is because people think the assistance on offer is not meant for ‘people like me’.
According to the research, published by the New Policy Institute (NPI) on behalf of the Home Heat Helpline, there are 5.2 million households across the country that could claim free insulation grants and reduced tariffs from their energy companies. But despite the fact that people could typically save £260 a year on their energy bills, only 12% have actually claimed free help.
Mr Aldous said:
“This research suggests that there are many households in the Waveney area struggling with the cold weather and difficult economic circumstances who could benefit from help with their energy bills. I encourage anyone who is struggling to call the helpline to see if they are eligible for help.”
The Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is a free, not for profit phone line set up by Britain’s energy companies to help customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills and keep warm. Constituents can also access the service online by visiting www.homeheathelpline.org.uk. The Helpline is managed by the Energy Retail Association and paid for by contributions from Britain’s major energy companies. The service is backed by a range of support organisations including Age UK; Citizens Advice; National Energy Action; Energy Saving Trust; Counsel and Care and Gingerbread.
The Helpline’s trained advisers can provide eligible customers with access to one or more of the following services:
• Grants for free cavity wall and loft insulation
• Reduced or ‘social’ tariffs
• 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
• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt
• Benefits entitlement checks
