Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, is urging her constituents to ‘winter-proof’ their homes to help keep their energy costs down, following a recent ‘Getting Ready for Winter’ event in Parliament organised by Age UK, Citizens Advice, Save the Children and British Gas.

Currently, around £1 of every £4 spent on heating homes is wasted because of a lack of adequate insulation – and with over 6 million cavity walls unfilled, and 10 million lofts unlagged, huge amounts of money are being wasted.

Catherine said:
“I know that many people in Newcastle approach winter with apprehension, and even more so this year with the costs of food, clothing and energy all on the increase. This is a particular problem in the North East, with up to one in four households thought to be living in ‘fuel poverty’.

“But many people are simply unaware of the free energy efficiency advice and measures they are entitled to receive – which could potentially save them hundreds of pounds each year.

“Customers on lower incomes – regardless of their supplier – should call the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) to see if they’re eligible for free insulation or discounted bills, whilst British Gas customers are entitled to get their homes insulated for free, if they apply before 22nd December this year.”