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Mark Hunter MP & the Cheadle Liberal Democrats
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Deep freeze heats up calls to energy helpline
January 8, 2010 5:54 PM
Mark is urging local residents to give the helpline a call
The freezing conditions sweeping Cheadle - with Woodford having the country's lowest temperature of -17.6ºC yesterday - are having a deep impact on households that are concerned about keeping warm, with a significant increase in calls to the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) for assistance over the festive period.
Recently Mark highlighted that more than one in ten households across the Stockport Borough could be missing out on savings of up to £250 a year on their energy bills because they are not claiming free insulation grants to which they are entitled. Across the Stockport Borough, this could lead to energy savings of up to £4 million.
The Home Heat Helpline has already received a record number of calls over November - December 2009, an increase of 23 per cent from 2008. It is absolutely essential for older people, families with young children and those with disabilities to find out what assistance and grants they may be eligible for.
Mr Hunter is also urging neighbours, friends and family of those who may be especially feeling the cold to call the Home Heat Helpline on their behalf to find out if they are eligible for help.
Commenting, Mark said:
"I am joining the Home Heat Helpline in urging households across Cheadle to call the free service on 0800 33 66 99 to find out how they can keep warm and save money on their energy bills today.
"Helpline advisors can give people who are worried about the cost of heating their homes help on making their home more energy efficient, and information on reduced or 'social' tariffs and free insulation available."
"Freezing temperatures can be isolating for many people, especially the elderly. If you know anyone who might be finding it hard to keep warm and healthy during the cold weather - please call the Home Heat Helpline to see what support is available for them."
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, ambassador for the Home Heat Helpline campaign said:
"I know what it's like to be a single mum who is struggling to pay the bills. When every penny counts you need all the help you can get. But often you don't know who to turn to. The Home Heat Helpline provides a really friendly, helpful service for people in need. Anyone who thinks they might be missing out on the help they are entitled to should give them a call."
Home Heat Helpline spokesperson, Christine McGourty said:
"We'd like to thank Mark for backing the Home Heat Helpline.
"The increase in calls to the Helpline indicates that households in Cheadle and across the UK are suffering as a result of the extreme weather conditions - but it is positive that people are reaching out for help."
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