Thousands 'missing fuel savings'

Home Heat Helpline said 282,000 households in Scotland were missing out

Hundreds of thousands of Scottish homes are failing to claim grants to insulate their homes, it has emerged.

According to advice service Home Heat Helpline, most of the homes could save £250 a year in energy costs.

The research found Glasgow had the highest number of households which stood to gain from the grants.

Groups which are eligible include people aged over 70, low income and single parent families and people with disabilities.

Research published by the Home Heat Helpline suggested that 282,000 households north of the border were missing out on the savings.

'Reduced tariffs'

Glasgow had more than 45,000 households which stood to gain from the grants, there were 22,600 in North Lanarkshire and Edinburgh had 19,600.

Christine McGourty, the Home Heat Helpline spokesperson, said: "There are free grants available for insulation that could provide a lifeline for many people as it gets colder through the winter months.

"This research shows the huge scale of unclaimed help that's out there on offer from energy suppliers.

"We have trained advisers who can help people get grants for insulation, special reduced tariffs, as well as advice and support on how to keep warm and save money on bills."