With increasing energy prices more people are now at risk of fuel poverty. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay for comfortable levels of heating please do get in touch with the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.  This helpline was created 6 years ago and is one useful outcome of the last Labour government.

From November the coalition governments new Warm Homes Discount has been giving an extra £120 each year to the least well off pensioners to help them keep warm. And from October 2012 the Green Deal will start which will help people to insulate their homes at no cost to themselves.

Call the helpline and you could be entitled to a range of help:

• Help to save money on your gas and electricity bills

• Grants for free home insulation

• The Priority Service Register — a special service for elderly or disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions that includes bills in easy-to-read larger text or in Braille, as well as security passwords and a free annual gas safety check (conditions apply)

• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt

• Benefits entitlement checks to see if you are missing out

• Trust funds that some suppliers run for vulnerable customers