Renfrewshire residents have been urged to make sure they’re getting all the energy help they’re entitled to before the price rises bite.

The call was made by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, Gavin Newlands, as criticism of the Chancellor’s measures announced on Thursday grew.

With the energy price cap increasing by 54% from April this year, households are being reminded that specialist advice is available through the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland helpline and website.

The helpline can provide information and advice on saving energy and keeping warm at home, sources of funding including Scottish Government grants and interest free loans, renewable energy at home, and greener travel.

With the only support on offer from the UK Government a £200 loan against future electricity bills, customers have been urged to search for help elsewhere and see what might be on offer through the helpline.

Households are also being reminded that pledges made by the energy companies themselves mean that vulnerable households or those with young children should not be disconnected from their electricity supply.

Gavin said:

“Scotland is lucky to have so many organisations and agencies providing help and support with energy costs and efficiency.

“While the UK Government are failing in their duty to help households through the energy and cost of living crisis, these agencies are working hard to make sure everyone gets the help they’re entitled to.

“These schemes don’t fix the basic problems with the energy market which are now leading to 54% price increases, but they could provide some help to customers looking to every penny as the Tory cost of living crisis bites.

“Through measures like Warmer Homes Scotland and the Winter Support Fund the Scottish Government are going what they can to help the most vulnerable in our community but the blunt fact is the UK Government have let energy companies away with murder over the years, and we are all now paying a hefty price for their ideological zealotry.

“Please get in touch with Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 and get the energy advice you need as we move through winter – and make sure you’re getting the help and support you need.”