Hundreds of households in the Borders could be missing out on savings of up to £250 on their energy bills because they are not claiming free insulation grants to which they are entitled, local MP Michael Moore has warned.

Mr Moore is urging his constituents to contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 to see if they are eligible for assistance and to request their copy of the ‘Little Book of Energy’ advice booklet. You may qualify for extra help from your energy provider if you are of pensionable age, disabled, in a family on low income, living with a long-term health condition, or living on benefits.

Research from the Home Heat Helpline has shown that people in the Borders could save around £150 a year on their heating bills by insulating their lofts and a further £115 per year with cavity wall insulation.

Mr Moore has raised the issue of fuel poverty with Ministers on a number of occasions in the past and last year supported a Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Bill which would have committed the Government to eliminating fuel poverty by 2016.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

‘For many people in the Borders, heating their homes over the winter can be a real challenge. Severe cold snaps, like the one we are currently experiencing, that are nothing more than an inconvenience to most people can cause severe financial difficulties for vulnerable individuals and families surviving on a fixed income.

‘The Little Book of Energy is full of advice and information on the support that is available to help people reduce their heating bills. I would encourage all of my constituents who think they may be eligible for help, or know of a relative who may be, to contact the Home Heat Helpline and request their free copy of this new booklet.’