Keep warm

With the evenings drawing in and truly autumnal weather upon us the news that our electricity and gas bills are to rise again is very unwelcome.

British Gas recently announcing that they will be putting their prices up by 6.5% or £80 a year on the average bill is something that will particularly worry our elderly and most vulnerable. But some real help is at hand and here is a quick overview of what the Government is doing to assist:-

1. This winter you could qualify for a £130 discount on your electricity bill through the Warm Home scheme. This is administered by the energy supply companies and is available for those over 80 and, at the energy company's discretion, others who may be vulnerable. To check out whether you qualify please visit https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/overview">https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/overview. This website provides links to all the electricity supply companies and shows the criteria they apply if you wish to claim.

2. The Winter Fuel Payment  — £200 to £300 paid to pensioners and to some people on benefits. If you qualify you will probably receive this automatically some time between November and December. More details at https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/overview">https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/overview

3. Warm Front — £3,500 in home insulation. A scheme available to pensioners, some benefit claimants and the low-paid. More at https://www.gov.uk/warm-front-scheme/overview">https://www.gov.uk/warm-front-scheme/overview

4. The Cold Weather Payment is worth £25 for each period of seven consecutive days during which the temperature is at zero or below. Payments may be available between 1st November and 31st March. More at https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment">https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

If you want me to check whether you might qualify under one or more of these schemes then please email me at [email protected]">[email protected] and I will do whatever I can to help.

For more information on Mel and his work for Central Devon constituents please visit http://www.melstridemp.com">www.melstridemp.com