Rising fuel costs hit elderly hard
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RISING fuel costs will leave some people in Moray, particularly the elderly, with the choice of heating their home or cutting back on other things, even food, this winter.
With another harsh winter just around the corner, the advice from the UK Government this week, following a summit meeting with energy company bosses in London about soaring bills, was for householders to shop around for the best deal on gas and electricty tarriffs.
That will have been cold comfort for many people in Moray already struggling with their gas, electric and oil heating bills.
Netta Prosser (76), organiser of the Darby and Joan Club in Lossiemouth, said: "There will be many people worried about this winter and whether they will manage, or have to cut back in other areas.
"I have been told my gas bill will be up over £1,000 this year, which is a lot of money if you are a pensioner.
"I usually cut back on the heating during the day and from tea time to bed time I will turn it up."
"It is not too bad for the likes of myself because I can still move about and get out of the house, but how are those who are housebound going to keep warm in the winter."
A recent event in Elgin Town Hall, organised by the Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership, aimed to raise awareness of the effects of fuel poverty.
A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it spends more than 10% of its income on heating. It is estimated more than 8,000 Moray households fall into that category.
Lorna Bernard, of the health partnership, said: "The last two winters have been particularly harsh in Moray and I remember last year hearing reports of fuel poverty and people not wanting to put their heating on."
A device can now be fitted that will alert a family member or carer if the temperature in a house drops too low.
The charity REAP (Rural Environmental Action Project) Scotland provides fuel efficiency advice and support for households in Moray.
"The price of fuel bills is prohibitively high for a lot of families," said Eddie Brown, who co-ordinates the charity’s solar panel project locally.
"Older people may make a choice whether to eat or switch the heating on, and fuel tariffs are very confusing, especially to older people," he said.
"We are trying to get the message out there that help is available. We can give general advice and can also arrange home visits," added Mr Brown.
The REAP Scotland fuel poverty helpline number is 0800 085 4008.
The Scottish Government recently announced a 35% increase in funding for fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes to over £66 million by 2015.
That move was welcomed by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, who said: "When I speak to people around Moray one of the most consistent issues raised is the cost of heating a home, whether that is by electricity, gas or heating oil.
"With prices going through the roof people are very fearful of their ability to pay the extortionate bills through the winter months. Heat is a basic need and no-one should have to fear the cost."
People receiving carers allowance can now receive an Energy Assistance Package (EAP) from the Government, which will benefit an additional 7,000 people in Scotland who look after family or friends in their own home.
The Energy Savings Scotland advice centre – 0800 512 012 – can provide advice and arrange home visits. Information is also available online at www.energyassistancepackage.com
