New figures reveal that in Southend West, 5000 homes are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. Worth an average of £250 per household, this assistance might go unclaimed by many, whilst others could be left confused by their energy bills. In response to these concerns, the free Home Heat Helpline has been set up to offer free and practical advice on saving money on energy bills.

Lending his support to the new helpline, Mr Amess said:

""Around 5000 homes in Southend West are entitled to some form of support. Anyone who is concerned about staying warm should call the Home Heat Helpline and seek advice. I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline.""

The number for the Home Heat Helpline is 0800 33 66 99, whilst information can also be obtained from their website at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk. It is a free service that provides independent advice to people on low incomes on how to get help with their gas and electricity bills, as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler.

As well as supporting the campaign locally, Mr Amess recently met some of its friendly, trained advisers the campaign’s launch. Whilst there, he heard from Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey, who is backing the campaign to raise awareness of the Helpline, and spoke of her experience of struggling to keep her home warm before she became a successful businesswoman.

Christine McGourty, from the Home Heat Helpline, also advised people to think about what they can do around the home to reduce their energy consumption:

“As well as calling the Home Heat Helpline to find out what financial assistance is available there are some other simple steps people can take. For example:

· turn radiators down in rooms which you only use occasionally

· switch your lights off when you're not using them

· turn appliances like TVs and phone chargers off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby when they're not being used

· replace normal light bulbs with energy efficient ones

· regularly defrost your freezer to make sure it's operating at full efficiency

· draw curtains over windows at night to provide insulation for the room

· move furniture away from radiators and heaters to allow heat to circulate around the room

· open internal doors of any rooms which get more sun than others and let the warm air travel around your home”

Home Heat Helpline: 0800 33 66 99 or www.homeheathelpline.org.uk