A COUPLE from the Patna area did not know who to turn to as warning letters about their mounting fuel debts began to arrive.

They both have literacy difficulties, neither is in the best of health, and their energy supplier was demanding payment of a large outstanding balance.

Another issue was that they were completely unaware of how much fuel they were actually using or how much they should be paying, so were only making the occasional token payments.

Both are on Employment and Support Allowance benefits and turned to the outreach team from East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for help.

There had been suggestions that a pre-payment meter may be the answer, which was also causing them concerns, but their dilemma was about to be solved.

A spokeswoman for CAB said: “After doing a basic financial assessment, it was clear the clients were paying a lot of money for some luxury things and not paying for their gas and electric.

“The adviser got the clients to cut back on the luxuries and worked with the clients and the supplier to set up a fortnightly payment plan.

“Additionally, the adviser sent away an application form to the energy trust at British Gas who then agreed to write off the debt for the clients. This resulted in an award of more than £2,500 in order to clear their gas and electricity debt.”

Many people in a similar predicament, as well as others just looking for general advice attended a Big Energy Savings Week event this week.

It took place at the newly opened carers centre in Dalmellington with several support organisations in attendance offering free information, advice and support.

Big Energy Savings Week is a national campaign to help people cut fuel bills and get all the support they are entitled to.

The campaign provides advice to people, via Home Energy Scotland, on 08088 082282, or face-to-face at events such as the Dalmellington one.

Meanwhile, East Ayrshire is running the Energy Saving and Foodbank Support Project from their bases at Cumnock, Dalmellington, Muirkirk, New Cumnock, Drongan and Patna — which is where the couple featured were helped.

It started in January and works in conjunction with foodbanks in the area to refer people to CAB, while the project officer regularly visits foodbanks for on-the-spot advice on a variety of topics.

Since it began, the project has dealt with 61 fuel-specific inquiries and accrued £3,268 for clients.