Local MSP Foysol Choudhury has urged residents in the Lothian region struggling with their energy bills to seek support amid the growing cost-of-living crisis.
Foysol Choudhury MSP joined Advice Direct Scotland at a parliamentary reception in Holyrood to discuss the charity’s free, practical advice available to constituents who may be worried about money.
The event, on November 3rd, gave politicians a chance to speak to Advice Direct Scotland about its energyadvice.scot service.
They offer advice and support for understanding energy bills, issues with meters, complaints and disputes and switching suppliers.
Staff from Advice Direct Scotland also discussed their moneyadvice.scot service which provides free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues.
Specialist debt and money advisers can work with people to assess their current situation, look at their income and outgoings, and consider what to do next, including a full range of free end-to-end debt solutions.
It comes after the Energy Price Guarantee kicked in from October 1st, setting the cap at £2,500 a year for an average household.
Households have also started to receive the first instalments of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme in their October electricity bill, which will be applied monthly in six instalments until March 2023.
Those on traditional prepayment meters will receive vouchers by post.
Advice Direct Scotland has urged consumers to stay alerts to scams and fraudulent messages as they do not have to apply for the schemes.
The charity also encourages household to check their benefits entitlement, through its calculator at www.advice.scot, to ensure they are not missing out on key support.
Foysol Choudhury, a Labour list MSP for the Lothian region, said: “It was great to learn more about Advice Direct Scotland’s service and how they can provide free, practical, and impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, energy bills and consumer rights.
“These are issues which many of my constituents are unfortunately facing during this cost-of-living crisis.
“I know that households across Lothian and Scotland are struggling and worried about the coming winter months, especially with the rise in energy prices.
“Please be assured that we are here to support and assist you wherever possible.
“I would urge you to use Advice Direct Scotland’s resources and to reach out to your local representatives if you need further help.”
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It was encouraging to see so many MSPs keen to find out how they can support households through the cost-of-living crisis and difficult winter ahead.
“With the recent rise in energy prices, and more on the horizon, we know that many households are facing financial difficulties.
“Right now, we have qualified advisers ready to provide free, practical support to anyone in Scotland through the energyadvice.scot service – and we can also help any customers having difficulties reaching their supplier.
“Anyone with debt worries should speak to our advisers at moneyadvice.scot for possible solutions, and it’s vital that everyone checks they are receiving their full entitlement to benefits by using our calculator at www.advice.scot.”