PRESS RELEASE
August 28th, 2009

Home heat helpline

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is encouraging people struggling with energy bills not to suffer alone.

He teamed up with elderly champion Nell McFadden and Councillor Joe McIlwee to publicise the Home Heat Helpline, which offers help and advice.

Among the services available are gas safety checks, home insulation grants, flexible payment arrangements to help with debts and benefit entitlement checks.

The MSP is calling on local people to get prepared before winter arrives.

He said: “Even though it hasn’t been the greatest summer we have ever had, winter fuel bills probably still aren’t high on people’s mind just yet.

“But they soon will be when the weather starts to turn and that is why we should get prepared now.

“Help is out there and if people think they could do with it then they should take full advantage.

“On a visit to their offices in Glasgow, I have seen for myself how helpful staff are there and they are ready to take your calls.”

For more information, ring the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.