People without access to mains gas, care home residents and those staying in caravans urged to apply for government help to pay their energy bills.
In September it was revealed here that people living on the Rosneath Peninsula and in Arrochar were being charged vastly different prices for LPG central heating.
In one case occupants of a semi-detached house were quoted 49p, while their next-door-neighbours – in the same building – were simultaneously quoted 80p by the same supplier.
A one-off payment of £400 has been made available by the UK government to help people living ‘off-grid’ cope with increased bills.
In many cases it will be paid automatically, but MSP Jackie Baillie has encouraged everyone eligible to apply.
The Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “I would encourage all of my constituents who are in residential caravans or who live off-grid to ensure that they apply to the UK Government for assistance to pay their energy bills. It is unfair that this has taken so long
“With the cost of living crisis, everyone is finding it difficult to make ends meet and it is not fair that people should be disadvantaged just because of the type of home they stay in.
“Care home residents who pay towards their energy bills should also be applying for financial assistance especially as they are on a fixed income, paying towards their residential care.
“There is help available and it is important that anyone and everyone who can access this help, does so.”
A portal has now opened for those eligible to apply for the support package which will include residents of caravan sites across Helensburgh and Lomond.
More information is available on the government website.
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