Glasgow SNP MSP and fuel poverty campaigner Bob Doris has called on Glasgow residents to look out for vulnerable people in communities across the city as the freezing weather continues to show no sign of abating. Fuel poverty remains one of Scotland’s most serious social problems and it is thought to affect up to 500,000 households in Scotland.

“There are thousands of people, many older folk and young families, who can’t afford to heat their homes adequately in this harsh climate.

“I want people to know that there is help out there. The Scottish Government is committed to tackling fuel poverty having set up the Energy Assistance Package in early 2009. Between April and November 2009 alone, 28,000 households benefited from the scheme. This help can be accessed by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visiting www.energyassistancepackage.com.

“The Energy Retail Association also offer assistance through the Home Heat Helpline. It is estimated that around 16 % of all Glasgow residents could benefit from calling this freephone number on 0800 336699.

“Council workers and emergency services are to be commended for the tremendous effort going in to keep the city moving and to tend to those in immediate need. But everyone has a role to play, checking on neighbours to make sure they have adequate heat and that pre-payment meters are topped up.

“I know that the good citizens of Glasgow will rally to look out for one another whilst these treacherous conditions persist.”