LEDBURY MP Bill Wiggin has welcomed new research showing that 3,000 households in North Herefordshire, his constituency, may be eligible for financial assistance to heat their homes.

Home Heat Helpline’s findings show that 3.6 million households across Great Britain qualify for help from their energy suppliers, including eight per cent of homes in North Herefordshire. Among those eligible for assistance are low income pensioners and disadvantaged families with children or those with a disability.

Mr Wiggin said: “Forecasters are predicting a cold winter ahead, and many people who are elderly or on low incomes may not know where to turn for help and advice on keeping their homes warm. The best way for people in North Herefordshire to prepare is to act now, and call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 to see if they’re eligible for assistance.

“With 3,000 households eligible, I would encourage all my constituents who think they might qualify to contact the helpline and see if they can save on their energy bills.”

The British Energy Aid Report was carried out by the New Policy Institute on behalf of Home Heat Helpline