Elspeth supports winter warmth message (Edinburgh Pentlands Liberal Democrats)

Edinburgh Pentlands Liberal Democrats <nm.gregory@btinternet.com>

Elspeth supports winter warmth message

January 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat MEP Elspeth Attwooll is urging people worried about their energy bills or about keeping warm enough this winter to follow the advice of Energy Action Scotland, the charity working for warm, dry homes, and the government to do more to insulate homes and follow a "green road out of recession".

The Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland said:

"This is an excellent initiative by Energy Action Scotland. These steps can help lower bills and make our money go further during these difficult times.

But we also need more practical, green solutions from government - like properly insulating schools and homes across the country.

This would do far more to help lift people out of fuel poverty at a time of recession than a meaningless cut in VAT, which makes little difference to our everyday lives anyway."

Norman Kerr, Director, Energy Action Scotland added: "Following these 3 areas of advice can help reduce the amount of energy you need to use at home and help towards paying your energy bills."

The advice is:

? Be Energy Efficient

Make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Get advice about easy and inexpensive ways you can save energy, for example by draughtproofing or by using appliances in a more economical way. You can also find out about making your home or your heating system more energy efficient, perhaps with cavity wall insulation or a heat pump. Contact the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

? Check Benefits or Tax Credit Entitlement

Many people don't realise they can increase their income by claiming the benefits or tax credit they are entitled to get. The extra income can be very helpful when the winter energy bills come in. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

? Get the Best Energy Deal

Find out if you can get a better deal from your electricity or gas company. Sometimes you can save money by switching to a different tariff or selecting a different way to pay your bills. Some companies also offer special services, like social tariffs, for certain groups of people. Check out what's available for your needs via the Home Heat Helpline on freephone 0800 33 66 99.

ends -

Background notes:

1. The Energy Action Scotland campaign coincides with the Liberal Democrat's "Green Road out of Recession" initiative.

2. The "Green Road out of the Recession" proposals include:

• A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year ;

• Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more ;

• Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses ;

• Buying 700 new train carriages ;

• Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines and beginning the Liverpool light rail network ;

• Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years.

3. Energy Action Scotland is the national charity which campaigns for an end to fuel poverty and works to promote warm, dry homes for all.

4. Fuel poverty is the inability to afford adequate warmth. The main causes are poor energy efficiency of the home, low income and high energy prices.