For local help and advice about your benefits contact Granton Information Centre, telephone 0131 552 0458, 0131 551 2459 or email info@gic.org.uk
Social Security Scotland: Are you entitled to family payments?
Tag: advice
Confusion over travel insurance could leave travellers at risk of being out of pocket, says Which?
A lack of clarity from travel insurers over how much protection their policies offer for Covid-related disruption could lead to consumers losing money as international travel reopens, Which? research has found.
New research from the consumer champion suggests that many travel insurance customers are being left with a false impression about the level of protection they would benefit from if the pandemic was to impact on their holiday plans.
Which? believes some of this is down to poor communication by some travel insurance providers and the use of often confusing, blanket terms such as ‘Covid Cover’ or ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’ on insurers’ websites.
The consumer champion’s survey of over 2,800 travel insurance customers, conducted between February and March 2021, found that three in 10 respondents (29%) had committed to bookings or arrangements for international trips this year – with around one in 10 (12%) saying that while they’d not booked or arranged travel, they did have specific plans.
Which? asked the survey respondents if they believed that their policies would cover them in the following six scenarios:
- Cover for costs if – after booking my trip – the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to my destination;
- Cover in the event that a local or national lockdown prevents me from travelling;
- Cover in the event I can’t travel because I have to self-isolate at home because of NHS Test and Trace;
- Cover in the event I can’t go on my trip because I’m diagnosed/test positive with COVID-19;
- Medical cover if I catch COVID-19 overseas; and
- Cover if my airline or holiday company postpones my travel but will only offer a rebooking or credit and not a cash refund.
Half of survey respondents (50%) believed that they’d be covered should the government’s travel advice change after a trip was booked, and nearly half (47%) thought their policy would cover them in the event that local or national lockdowns prevented them from travelling. Almost half (46%) believed their policy would cover them if their airline or holiday company postponed their travel, but wouldn’t offer a cash refund.
However, when Which? analysed 73 travel insurance providers between October and November 2020, cover for those three such eventualities – particularly for when government travel advice changes – was very rare, with large discrepancies between what policies included. The consumer champion has been continuing actively to monitor Covid-related cover offered and believes little has changed to improve this situation in recent months.
Since March 2020, most insurers have considered the pandemic a ‘known event’, and excluded FCDO cancellation cover from new policies and for newly booked trips. However, Which?’s survey found that customers with policies bought after March 2020 were more likely to believe that they were covered for this type of disruption than ones that had bought policies before then.
For instance, two thirds (65%) of respondents that had bought travel insurance less than six months prior to participating in the survey believed that they would be covered if FCDO travel advice changed and advised against travel after they had booked their trip, whereas less than half (48%) of respondents that bought policies over a year ago did.
While some insurers give upfront information about how extensively they protect against Covid-related disruption on their webpages and in their FAQs, some providers only state key benefits that their ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’ provides, and are less clear about what is excluded.
Other providers describe their policies as covering a ‘range’ of Covid-related scenarios, and direct prospective customers to the FAQs for further detail.
Which? submitted evidence to the Department for Transport (DfT) ahead of today’s publication of the Covid Passenger Charter calling for travel insurance providers to be clear about Covid-cover terminology.
Which? believes providers should present what is included and excluded in their Covid policies clearly on their websites, and not bury exclusions in their FAQs. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) should be monitoring terminology used by travel insurers in their Covid-19 policies and marketing material to ensure they provide sufficient clarity.
The FCA should also issue guidance to providers on the use of blanket terms such as ‘Covid Cover’ and ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’, which often overlook what kind of cover is not included – without qualifying them clearly. Doing so would help consumers to make a much more informed choice when booking a trip abroad, and could save them money.
Which? is also urging the DfT to work closely with the Treasury and sector regulators including the FCA, Civil Aviation Authority and Competition and Markets Authority, as well as with industry, to ensure all travellers adequately understand their travel insurance cover and can access cover that protects them against FCDO advice related to the pandemic when international travel restarts.
Jenny Ross, Which? Money Editor, said: “The ongoing threat of Covid-related disruption means that getting the right travel insurance for your holiday is more important than ever.
“Without closer scrutiny from government and regulators of how clearly insurers present their policies, there is a very real chance that many travellers will be left out of pocket yet again this summer.”
Which? advice for consumers before booking travel insurance
– When looking online for travel insurance policies, consumers should be wary of the variation between the amount of information insurers give on their websites about their core levels of cover, especially when it comes to how covered you are in scenarios related to the pandemic.
– Terms such as ‘Covid cover’ or ‘Enhanced Covid cover’ mean different things for different insurers, so consumers should avoid making assumptions. Extra caution should be taken if information provided only lists the benefits of the policy, but does not describe what is not included.
– Some protections will only apply to customers that insured their trip before the pandemic was declared last year.
– The best way to find out about what a policy offers is to spend some time reading the policy document – in particular check the medical expenses, cancellation and the policy’s general conditions and exclusions. If there are protections that you want from your travel insurance, but you find the policy document confusing, contact the insurer directly to confirm before booking.
– A quicker way to check key areas of your policy’s cover is to consult the Insurance Product Information Document, which is designed to provide information on key areas of cover and exclusions, although it will not tell you everything about the policy – so be sure to check with the insurer if you have any concerns.
– Anyone who is booking a holiday should look for a flexible booking policy that covers them against countries changing from green to amber or red between booking and travel.
UK sends further life-saving support to India
- The UK will send 1,000 more ventilators for use in India’s hospitals
- The Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Adviser and NHS staff have given help and advice to their Indian counterparts
- Fresh assistance follows medical relief sent by the Government last week and a surge in support from the British people to India
- On Tuesday the Prime Minister will hold a virtual meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi to discuss deepening cooperation between the UK and India
India’s fight against a surge in coronavirus cases will be reinforced by new UK Government support announced by the Prime Minister today. 1,000 ventilators will be sent from the UK’s surplus supply to Indian hospitals to help the most severe Covid cases.
This is in addition to 200 ventilators, 495 oxygen concentrators and 3 oxygen generation units the UK announced we were sending to India last week.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance have also spoken to their Indian counterparts to provide advice, insight and expertise to the Indian healthcare system as it deals with the world’s worse surge in Covid levels.
NHS England is also establishing a clinical advisory group led by Chief People Officer Prerana Issar to support India’s Covid response. The group will work with Indian institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Services to share experience on managing Covid outbreaks.
The group will include researchers in public and global health, alongside nursing and other health professionals who have experience of the Indian healthcare system.
In a powerful demonstration of what Indian Prime Minister Modi has called the ‘living bridge’ between our countries, over the last week British people have come to the support of India in huge numbers. Businesses, civil society and the wider public have responded to appeals for help and launched funding drives.
This includes the British Asian Trust’s ‘Oxygen for India’ emergency appeal, which is raising funds for oxygen concentrators to be rapidly deployed to Indian hospitals. The BAT appeal, which has been personally backed by the Prince of Wales, has raised more than £1.5m in the last week.
Virgin Atlantic also flew 200 boxes of oxygen concentrators to Delhi on Saturday, after partnering with Khalsa Aid. Further cargo space will be given free of charge on 6 flights to India in the next week, in association with The Red Cross.
India has also provided support to the UK throughout the coronavirus pandemic. As the ‘pharmacy of the world’ the country has kept its borders open to supply the UK with vital medicine and PPE – exporting over 11 million face masks and 3 million packets of paracetamol over the course of 2020.
On Tuesday the Prime Minister will hold a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Modi to agree a huge range of commitments to deepen cooperation between the UK and India, including on fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The terrible images we have seen in India in recent weeks are all the more powerful because of the close and enduring connection between the people of the UK and India.
“I am deeply moved by the surge of support the British people have provided to the people of India and am pleased the UK Government has been able to play our part in providing life-saving assistance.
“The UK will always be there for India in its time of need.”
The world is safer and stronger because of work between the UK and India. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, for example, was developed in the UK, is currently being produced in the millions by India’s Serum Institute and will be distributed to the world at cost through COVAX.
It is those shared values of openness and the pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement for the betterment of our societies that lie at the heart of the relationship between the UK and India. During his call with Prime Minister Modi the Prime Minister will emphasise the importance of working with India to promote our shared values.
India is the largest democracy in the world, a fellow Commonwealth country and in June Prime Minister Modi will travel to the UK to attend the G7 Summit as a guest – one of four world leaders invited to join the Summit of leading democracies.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “This support will help urgently meet some of India’s acute needs, particularly oxygen for patients. We are determined to help our Indian friends in their hour of need.
“We need to all work together to defeat Covid-19. No one is safe until we are all safe.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “As a close friend of India, we have all felt the harrowing scenes and are determined to do all we can. Only a few months ago we felt the pressure of the pandemic here in the UK. This virus attacks all of us and in the battle against coronavirus, we’re all on the same side.
“This additional support will provide more capacity and expertise to help save lives and support India’s healthcare system. We will continue to work closely with the Indian government during this immensely challenging time.”
Overseeding You Lawn: top tips from Johnson Lawn Seed
Every year up to a quarter of the average lawn may die. By sowing new lawn seed into an existing lawn, a technique used by professional groundsmen and known as overseeding, it is possible to rejuvenate your lawn and reduce weed invasion.
Lawn renovation should be done in Spring or late Summer to early Autumn depending upon the weather conditions. Here are some handy tips and tricks to help you revive your lawn!
1) Remove any debris from the surface of the lawn and when it is dry to mow it closely
2) Rake the lawn using a spring tine rake or a leaf rake to remove and breakup layers of dead matted grass or thatch. This process is known as scarifying and can be made easier with a powered scarifying machine if the thatch is thick or it is a large lawn.
Scarifying in Autumn has the additional benefit of stimulating the side shoots and runners of the grass which tend to develop at this time of year
3) Spike ground with a hollow tine fork, a normal fork can be used, up to a depth of 15cm(6in) to de compact the soil.
4) Top dress the lawn with a good quality topsoil, making sure the dressing fills the holes created when aerating. This allows water, air and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil and will result in deeper rooting, dense grass growth.
Minor hollows can be levelled out using this method too, apply the topsoil so the grass tips are just visible, allow the grass to grow back through and repeat the process until the hollow is filled in
5) It is a good idea to apply some lawn fertiliser when reviving your lawn, Johnsons Lawn Thickener and Johnsons Quick Fix already have fertiliser either coated on the seed or mixed with the seed making them ideal for this task.
If you are using a different mix you can apply fertiliser the same day as sowing grass seed or up to a few days later, poultry manure is ideal. Scatter fertiliser evenly over the lawn surface using the recommended rate on the pack and rake in to ensure even distribution, make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions. Ideally the fertiliser can be watered in at the same time as watering the lawn seed.
6) Using your chosen mix of lawn seed you should aim to apply it at the oversowing rate detailed on the pack, this is usually 25g per sq. metre (¾ oz per sq. yard) to 35g per sq. metre (1 ¼ oz per sq. yard). If you calculate the size of your lawn in square metres and then multiply this by the sowing rate you will have a good estimate of the quantity of seed required.
7) You can apply the seed directly from the pack or you can mix the seed in a bucket with some topsoil to make it easier to sow. It’s a good idea to have a trial run by measuring out, for example, 4 sq. metres, weigh out the correct amount of seed for the area, this would be 100g at a rate of 25g sq. metre, and then scatter evenly up and down, left to right.
You can use this method over the entire area. By doing this you will use the correct amount of seed and achieve a more even distribution.
8) After you have sown the lawn seed gently rake the area and then lightly roll or tread in to firm the seed in. This is a very important as it gives the seed good contact with the soil and will really help it to germinate and establish. Keep off the newly overseeded area if possible to allow tender young shoots to gain strength and help with establishment.
9) While it is good practice for the area to be moist when you sow do not water it until you have firmed the seed in otherwise it will stick to your roller and shoes! If dry weather follows overseeding, water copiously with a fine spray, preferably in the evening, keeping the seedbed constantly moist.
10)When grass is 5-8cms (2-3in) high cut for the first time. Trim lightly and very gradually lower blades to an ideal cutting height of between 50mm (2in) to 25mm (1in) for mixtures containing ryegrass and 25mm (1in) to 13mm (½in) for non ryegrass mixtures.
Mow regularly but try not to remove more than a third of the growth at any one time. What may happen is that the existing grass needs a cut before the new grass. To do this raise the cut to a height that just cuts the old grass and leaves the new intact, you can reduce the height of the cut over the subsequent weeks
To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed products please visit:
Money Map: Help Yourself
The Money Map tool offers free, instant support and tips for those in Edinburgh feeling the financial impact of the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes to everyday life and for many, it has impacted both personal and household finances.
Whether you’ve suffered a job loss, are self-employed, on furlough or are facing reduced hours or income, it’s a particularly challenging and uncertain time.
To help people face these challenges, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), supported by the Scottish Government, has created the Money Map tool.
The free, anonymous and easy to use online tool is a one-stop shop of financial support options. It brings together the many ways that people can maximise their money from benefits and grants to budgeting and tips on reducing bills such as council tax. It provides any related eligibility information and signposts people to websites where they can get more information or apply.
One of the main functions of the tool is to help minimise the stress of trying to find support through search engine browsing by bringing all the information and support together in one place. It includes a customised list function so users can save the support options that are of most use to them so that they can make sure they’re maximising their money as much as possible.
The Money Map tool contains helpful guidance for everyone, no matter their financial situation.
Myles Fitt, Head of Financial Health at Citizens Advice Scotland, runs through just some of the ways the Money Map tool can help you maximise your money at this time:
· Make sure you’re not overpaying on bills – A simple way to reduce your monthly outgoings can be by performing a simple price comparison on your bills, such as energy payments. The Money Map tool signposts users to websites that will help you discover what you can save by switching providers.
· Set a budget – This can be on a monthly, weekly or even fortnightly basis to suit your needs. A budget can help you get a true picture of your money and plan for the future. Money Map can point you to helpful resources for setting a budget, which can help you work out what you need and where possible savings could be made.
· Check you’re using the correct tax code – Make sure you check your current tax code to ensure you’re not paying too much in relation to your current financial situation. For example, if you are on a lower income, you are entitled to a different tax code and required to pay less tax. Money Map highlights how you can check your tax code and any entitlement to tax reliefs.
· Gain access to all the grants you’re entitled to – Grants enable families, students and individuals to boost their income or reduce the cost of everyday payments such as fuel payments or transport costs. Money Map points you in the right direction to access these.
· Check to see what Council Tax you should pay – By checking if you’re exempt from council tax or eligible to pay less, you can save money on paying this bill. The Money Map tool will point you in the direction of where you can check your eligibility. Last year, support from the CAB service saved clients an average of £380 in council tax payments.
· Ensure you receive benefits you’re entitled to – The Money Map tool will guide people to the appropriate online benefit checkers to make sure users are getting all the support they’re entitled to which can help meet specific needs like housing, childcare, disability and illness payments.
· Make the most of the Money Map tool – It’s there to help you. By using the bespoke list function, users can save the support options that are of most use to them so they can ensure they maximise their money as much as possible.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “COVID-19 has impacted many people’s incomes and we know financial uncertainty is a source of worry for many people.
“This Money Map Tool provides information and support, helping people identify which benefits and grant support they may be entitled to. The Scottish Government is investing £330,000 to support the promotion of this online support service which signposts people to specific sites that can help them strengthen their financial position.
“The free, easy to use and anonymous website brings all information into one place, and can help people boost their income from sources such as grants or saving tips. I would encourage anyone concerned about money matters to use this service.”
Derek Mitchell, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland has been helping people for over 80 years and we want to ensure people get the help they need in a way that suits them.
“That’s why we developed the Money Map tool. We know how frustrating it can be searching endlessly online for support that is suited for you, our tool rounds up all the most helpful online sources and signposts people to where they can access and activate relevant help.
“The tool is open for absolutely anyone who is looking to boost their income or cut their cost of living. Whether that’s through access to grants and benefits or through lower bills, our Money Map can point people in the right direction.”
No matter what your circumstance is in 2021, if you are looking to improve your financial situation, think Money Map. Visit moneymap.scot
Free, independent advice is also available locally at Granton Information Centre, who have continued to operate throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Contact Granton Information Centre by telephone on 0131 551 2459 or 552 0458, or email info@gic.org.uk
Free advice, information sessions and publications for EU citizens and family members
The EU Delegation launches legal advice surgeries to assist charitable organisations, local authorities and local communities in the UK help EU citizens. These complement a range of other free services and products, including information sessions and a range of target-group specific leaflets available in all EU languages.
EU citizens, who arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020 and intend to stay, only have until 30 June 2021 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
UK central and local authorities, as well as civil society organisations, have already put huge efforts into supporting EU residents in their communities, but this has been made more difficult by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As of 31 January 2021, over five million EU citizens and family members have successfully applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. However, application rates remain lower in particular areas and among certain groups of people, especially the most vulnerable who are hardest-to-reach and may have difficulties applying.
Free advice surgeries are now here to help, offering one-on-one individual support. They can help make applications to the EU Settlement Scheme and indicate additional support organisations if further assistance is required.
Charitable organisations, local councils and local community groups that commit to scheduling a surgery for at least 10 vulnerable or complex case citizens can make a request to host surgeries.
During the ongoing health pandemic, support can be delivered by phone, WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or any other platform of choice.
Free 90-minute information sessions for groups of citizens, providing a short presentation on the EU Settlement Scheme and an extended Q&A session, continue to be available. These can also be delivered through online platforms and can accommodate a general or target a specific audience.
Complementing these services, the EU Delegation can deliver free print publications on the EU Settlement Scheme and citizens’ rights in all EU languages anywhere in the UK. Target group specific leaflets for senior citizens, parents, non EU-family members and for joining family members are also available free of charge.
For more information, please visit http://www.eurights.uk/events/new
New support for professionals on M.E./CFS and managing Long Covid symptoms
GPs and health professionals in Scotland can now get a free one-hour training session on the diagnosis and management of M.E./CFS. This module, based on ten case studies, also supports the management of Long Covid symptoms.
Action for M.E. is very excited to launch a new partnership project in Scotland: Learn about M.E. – the M.E./CFS Professional Development Project in Scotland.
This project is a partnership between Action for M.E., The M.E. Association, #MEAction Scotland, The 25% Group and Dr. Nina Muirhead. Dr Muirhead, who developed a free online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module in partnership with the UK CFS/M.E. Research Collaborative (CMRC,) became ill with M.E./CFS in 2016.
Dr. Muirhead said: “Only after I developed M.E. myself did I realize that I had not understood the illness. Feeling the devastating impact of M.E. on myself and my life I felt determined to offer something that changed that experience for other people.”
Many people with M.E. face disbelief and stigma around their illness and do not receive the appropriate care and support they need. This project provides vital information to GPs and Health Professionals in Scotland to assist them to diagnose and manage the symptoms of M.E./CFS. This module is also likely to be applicable to a subset of COVID patients who may develop post viral M.E./CFS and could be harmed by inappropriate advice to exercise.
There are around 20,000 adults and children living with M.E. in Scotland.
Action for M.E.’s Big Survey 2019 found that over 35% of respondents who live with M.E. in Scotland were not at all confident that their GP understood their condition. In addition, only 7% of children and young people and 16% of adults are obtaining a diagnosis within the current NICE and Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS guideline timescale of three months and four months respectively. Almost one in five adults (18%) waited more than six years for a diagnosis.
This training module on M.E./CFS will improve knowledge of the illness; reduce delays to diagnosis, reduce the likelihood of multiple unnecessary referrals and investigations and the potential for harm for people with M.E.
General Practitioners, Medical students and Allied Health Professionals will receive 1 hour CPD upon successful completion of the course.
The Scottish Government’s Neurological Framework funding is supporting the project to improve knowledge relating to diagnosis and management of M.E./CFS. Dr. Nina Muirhead is developing a complementary podcast and short opinion pieces to support dissemination and take up in Scotland.
Top tips to keep your cat safe as temperatures plummet
As temperatures drop once again, Cats Protection is urging owners to spare a thought for the welfare of their pet cat.
Plunging temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall present a number of risks for cats, particularly those who like to wander outside.
Following these simple tips can help to keep felines feeling fine:
Cats are at increased risk of road accidents after nightfall – try to keep your cat indoors overnight and time meals to keep your cat away from roads when they are at their busiest
Antifreeze is lethal for cats so always keep this out of your cat’s way and clear up any antifreeze spills immediately
Ensure your cat can reach his chosen toileting site and if your cat is seeing snow for the first time, consider giving him access to a safe and enclosed area such as a garden and accompany him when he goes out
If your cat does venture out when it’s snowy, wipe off any road grit and other substances that may stick to his paws or fur when he returns
Provide shelter for cats that go outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, wedged slightly open or install a cat-flap so cats do not become trapped inside
Check your cat-flap regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow and if you provide an outdoor water source, check it hasn’t frozen over
If your cat seems reluctant to venture outside in snow or ice, provide an indoor litter tray
Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth. Be vigilant, and check beneath or knock on the bonnet before starting your vehicle
Take special care of cats with arthritis, as the cold can severely affect inflamed joints.
Provide additional warm and comfortable places to rest or sleep. If your cat is finding it hard to reach favourite resting places then look at ways of making it easier for him. Also ensure he can easily access his chosen toileting site
Neutering is vital, not only to prevent unwanted kittens being born but to reduce roaming, especially during bad weather.
Ensuring your cat is microchipped also increases the chance of being reunited if he becomes lost
For advice on cat care, please visit www.cats.org.uk/cats-and-cold-weather
A third of Scots don’t feel financially secure in current Covid-19 climate
A new survey from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that a third (33%) of people in Scotland don’t feel financially secure or believe they have enough money to live comfortably and afford essential payments (e.g. groceries, utility bills, mortgage and rent payments) in the current Covid-19 climate.
Despite this, three in ten (29%) Scots surveyed admitted that they would be uncomfortable speaking to friends and family about their current financial status and three in ten (30%) said they have previously lied to make themselves seem more financially secure than they are.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of Scots surveyed also acknowledged that they would feel embarrassed to ask family or friends to borrow money, however, more worryingly, three in ten (29%) said they often and always feel depressed when they think about their current financial situation.
The research comes as Royal Bank of Scotland launches its new Financial Flex campaign that will encourage Scots – especially younger generations – to start talking more openly and honestly about their finances to combat growing worries around money. Through a Royal Bank Financial Health Check, anyone, whether a customer or not, can get free advice on how to manage their money better.
Psychotherapist Kelly Hearn, an accredited UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) member, reviewed the findings. She said: “Financial anxiety is high and increasing in this pandemic, particularly among young adults.
“Money worries can lead to enormous shame and so are difficult to discuss. They cut straight to issues of self-worth and feelings of ‘not enough.’ Often people suffer in silence which only compounds the issue. A vicious cycle emerges where financial stress causes mental stress which affects physical health as well, particularly when coping mechanisms like binge drinking or eating are enacted.
“Financial anxieties affect most of us and yet are rarely discussed. It is time to address the taboo subject of money more openly as financial wellbeing is an important pillar of mental and physical health.”
The free financial health check service is available from Royal Bank. It is a review with a highly trained senior personal banker and is currently offered by video.
During the appointment, the senior banker will consider all areas of finances to help customers make the best decisions about what they feel is right for them. The review can also be completed by telephone if required.
To book or for more information, visit:
https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html
Surge in calls to Home Energy Scotland helpline
Scots are being urged to seek support and advice from Home Energy Scotland to reduce heating bills and make their homes warmer and more energy efficient, as increasing numbers of households seek advice on ways to cut energy bills.
A recent survey shows that with more people working from home since the start of the pandemic, almost half of those (44%) worry this will lead to an increase in unaffordable energy bills.
The Scottish Government-funded Home Energy Scotland advice service has seen a significant increase in demand since July 2020. The average number of calls to the free advice service has risen by 95% compared with the same six-month period last year. In its busiest weeks, calls were up more than 200% on the same dates in 2019.
Through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government offers support and funding to help reduce bills and save energy. This includes help worth up to £5,000 to make homes more energy efficient through the Warmer Homes Scotland programme.
Help is still available for householders throughout lockdown, with strict safety protocols in place for installation of essential home heating measures under this programme.
People are also encouraged to contact Home Energy Scotland to find out how they can make their home more energy efficient. Interest-free loans with cashback of up to 75% are available for a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new renewable heating system.
Loan offers are valid for a year so householders in mainland Scotland can prepare now for installations when lockdown is lifted.
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart, said: “We want to ensure that people are able to get all the help and support available to them to keep warm and safe in their home especially during the winter.
“That is why we acted quickly and have taken action to ensure that appropriate support is available for those struggling with increased household energy bills as a result of the pandemic.
“I am really pleased that our award winning Home Energy Scotland service has adapted its approach during the pandemic and has continued to provide a range of free impartial advice and support for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills. I would urge anyone struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”
Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said: “Home Energy Scotland helps householders with both practical and financial support. This year calls to our helpline have risen sharply, with more than 2,000 people turning to us each week for advice on how to reduce their heating bills, save money and keep their household warm.
“As well as financial support, our advisors help customers identify practical savings they can make at home, either by changing the way they use energy or carrying out energy-saving home improvements. We can also help people access further support through our network of partners across health, social care and other areas of advice.”
Home Energy Scotland from the Scottish Government provides clear and impartial advice on reducing bills and saving energy – call 0808 808 2282 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org