Keetch supports Helpline on Keeping Warm

2.00.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, has joined the Home Heat Helpline in their campaign to help lift 3 million people in the UK out of fuel poverty by signing a parliamentary motion calling on vulnerable people to get in touch on the free helpline number - 0800 33 66 99 - to access advice and support.

The MP said, "There are people across Herefordshire - particularly older people, disabled people and lone parents - who are worried about heating their home this winter. But they don't need to suffer the cold.

"One call to the Home Heat Helpline can put them in touch with the advice and support they need on what benefits and grants they may be entitled to."

It doesn't matter which company supplies the caller's energy as the helpline is funded by all Britain's energy retailers. It can also take calls from intermediaries calling on behalf of vulnerable people, such as neighbours, friends, family, carers, social workers or health visitors.

Paul Keetch continued, "Vulnerable people in Herefordshire could be missing out on up to £1,500 each in benefits and grants to heat their home - Home Heat Helpline helped over 38,000 people in its first year of operation so it is well worth giving them a call."