Mark is urging people worried about their energy bills or about keeping warm this winter to follow the advice of Energy Action Scotland, the charity working for warm, dry homes.

In its winter warmth campaign, Energy Action Scotland says:

·         Be Energy Efficient

Make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible.  Get advice about easy and inexpensive ways you can save energy, for example by draught proofing or by using appliances in a more economical way.  You can also find out about making your home or your heating system more energy efficient, perhaps with cavity wall insulation or a heat pump.  Contact the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

·         Check Benefits or Tax Credit Entitlement

Many people don’t realise they can increase their income by claiming the benefits or tax credit they are entitled to get.  The extra income can be very helpful when the winter energy bills come in.  Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

·         Get the Best Energy Deal

Find out if you can get a better deal from your electricity or gas company.  Many companies offer special services, like social tariffs, for certain groups of people.  A lot of people who qualify don’t know about what they could get, so check out what’s available for your needs via the Home Heat Helpline on freephone 0800 33 66 99.

You can also find a guide to the social tariffs offered by the different energy suppliers on this website by clicking here.

Norman Kerr, Director, Energy Action Scotland says: “Following these 3 areas of advice can help reduce the amount of energy you need to use at home and help towards paying your energy bills.”

Mark said ‘Following this advice can significantly reduce your fuel bills. The Government has increased winter fuel payments to pensioners and families with disabled children this year. It believes as I do that no one should have to worry about the cost of keeping warm this winter’.

To make people aware of what help there is and how to get it, Mark has produced:

•        Staying Warm – a guide to benefits to help cover the costs of fuel and heating the home

•        2009 Guide to Financial Support and Services for Senior Citizens.

To download them click here or write to Mark's office at 5 Croall Place, Edinburgh EH7 4LT.