Keeping warm in winter is a major issue and Britain’s energy companies have now earmarked £3.8 billion for measures to help the most vulnerable.

The Home Heat Helpline – 0800 33 66 99 – can deliver for these vulnerable groups:

 Advice on social tariffs – typically a 20 per cent saving
 Access to the Priority Service Register, with free annual gas appliance safety checks, passwords for official gas and electricity-related callers. Third party, Braille, large print and talking billing
 Grants for free home insulation regardless of who owns the property and no means testing for the over 70s. Absolute right for them to receive free cavity wall and loft insulation or free top-ups to modern standards. Same help to all households in receipt of attendance allowance, disability living allowance or employment and support allowance (incapacity benefit) single parent allowance or households with young children with an annual income of less than £14,600.
 Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt
 A disconnection safety net, ensuring no vulnerable customer will be knowingly disconnected

The Home Heat Helpline also recognises that those most in need of help are often those least able to access it so the helpline now accepts third party applications including calls from friends, neighbours and relatives.