"Help is out there to beat the cold" - Amy Kitcher

10.10.00am GMT Sun 3rd Jan 2010

"No one should struggle to heat their home in such cold weather"

Amy Kitcher urges residents to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 for their free Little Book of Energy advice booklet

Local Residents 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 councillor Amy Kitcher warned today.

Amy 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.

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.

Amy 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 Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. 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."

The research, conducted for the Home Heat Helpline by independent think tank, the New Policy Institute (NPI), found there are 3.6 million eligible households across the country that missing out on free help.

Amy said, "These free grants for insulation could provide a lifeline for families in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney 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."

The NPI research highlights low income households claiming either out-of-work or disability benefits, working tax credit or pension credit, who could benefit from the insulation grants. In addition, anyone over the age of 70 can apply for the free grants, regardless of whether they are claiming benefits or tax credits. The grants are provided under the CERT (Carbon Emission Reduction Target) scheme, which provides cavity wall or loft insulation for poorly insulated homes.

Anyone who is concerned about their fuel costs or those of a relative, neighbour or friend, should call the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they are one of the Missing Millions.