Beith asks "Free insulation grants - do you qualify?"

9.30.00am GMT Mon 4th Jan 2010

Hundreds of households in the Berwick upon Tweed constituency could be missing out on savings of up to £250 a year on the energy bills because they are failing to claim free insulation grants to which they are entitled, local MP Sir Alan Beith warned today.

Sir Alan is urging residents to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they are eligible for assistance, and to request their free copy of the 'Little Book of Energy' advice booklet. You may qualify for extra help from your energy provider if you are of pensionable age, disabled, a family on low income, living with long-term health conditions, or living on benefits.

Sir Alan recently raised the problem of fuel poverty with the Prime Minister, which is still affecting many people in the Berwick upon Tweed constituency.

The launch of the Little Book of Energy comes as research shows residents could save around £150 a year on their heating bills by insulating their lofts and another £115 a year with cavity wall insulation.

Sir Alan said:

"The Little Book of Energy is a valuable resource to help families save money and keep warm this winter, and is now available for free to all residents across Northumberland.

"The advice booklet provides you with tips for making your home more energy efficient, and provides valuable information about free grants for insulation and assistance available to help reduce your heating bills."

"These free grants for insulation could provide a lifeline for hundreds of families in Northumberland as it gets colder through the winter months. I am urging every resident to call the Home Heat Helpline today to request their free Little Book of Energy advice booklet and make sure they are not one of the people missing out."