News / CAB launches heating bill helpline
A DEDICATED helpline to help people in Shetland struggling to pay for heating their homes has been launched by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The recent cold weather, which is set to return on Thursday, has combined with rising fuel costs and the hike in VAT to put further pressure on heating bills.
CAB’s Lerwick office assistant manager Sylvia Jamieson said that one third of Shetland households were thought to be living in fuel poverty, spending more than 10 per cent of their income on keeping their home warm.
“We know of folk who are living in one room because that’s all they can afford to heat, or they are having to go without essentials, cutting back on their food shopping or going without buying new shoes or clothes for the family in order to meet their fuel bills,” Ms Jamieson said.
People phoning the helpline can find out if they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled.
Anyone in fuel poverty may be entitled to a rebate or a discounted tariff on their electricity costs and help with making their home more energy efficient.
The dedicated phone line is being launched in partnership with Shetland Islands Council and other agencies. It can be contacted on 01595 743950 from 10 to 21 January, on Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
One single parent on benefits who approached CAB in Lerwick said: “I have found the cost of heating my house this winter has increased over 50 per cent. This has meant I have switched off most of the heaters in the house, and mainly just heat the living room.
“On really cold nights we go to my mother’s house to sleep, as it’s warmer there. The amount of benefit has not increased in line with how much heating costs have gone up, and we’re really struggling to manage.”
Local CAB manager Les Irving said: “Folk may be unaware what assistance is out there to help them. Our specialised advisers can look at each case individually, and help them complete any necessary paperwork in order to access benefits, rebates or reduced electricity tariffs, depending on what they are eligible for.
“We can also assist them to get help with accessing services to improve the efficiency of their home. They can also be reassured that all our advice is free, confidential and independent.”
In 2008 a similar campaign targeting people aged over 60 found that 90 per cent of people who made contact were living in fuel poverty, spending more than 10 per cent of their income on maintaining a satisfactory heating regime.
The campaign helped in more than 60 separate cases, resulting in almost £50,000 in extra benefits. A further £7,500 was saved on heating costs.
Most of the people in fuel poverty in Shetland are pensioners but the problem is affecting a growing number of people, which is why the campaign is being spread to all age groups this year.
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