Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham column

For many of us, this is a season to slow down, relax, and spend quality time with our friends and family. But for a lot of people, it is a time of financial worry where households feel unable to turn the heating on and worry about where the next meal will come from.

Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, has reported that despite the energy bills falling, the lack of subsidy from the UK Government will still mean households pay more this year.

MSP Elena Whitham. (Image: NQ Archive)

On Friday, November 24, from 11am to 12.30pm, Allan Dorans MP and I will be hosting a Fuel Poverty Advice event at Girvan Community Fire Station.

This will give you an opportunity to speak to us and representatives from Home Energy Scotland to get advice about your rising bills.

Please do share this with people you know and come along, even just for a hot drink and a chat.

If you won’t be able to make it that day, please get in touch with me by emailing elena.whitham.msp@parliament.scot or call 01290 319126.

My team and I are ready to provide assistance and put you in touch with the best organisation for your needs.

I am proud of the Scottish Government’s achievements in tackling fuel poverty.

When First Minister Humza Yousaf outlined our Programme for Government earlier this year, he committed to being focused on anti-poverty and pro-growth measures.

MP Allan Dorans will also be at the event. (Image: MP Allan Dorans)

We know that every single person in our country deserves a warm house.

That is why we deliver support like the Winter Heating Payment, the Child Winter Heating Payment, and the Home Heating Support Fund, just to name a few.

Please make sure you are getting all of the benefits and help you are entitled to. Our social security system is a shared investment that is there to support you.

As we go into winter, I hope everyone in our community has a fantastic time and remembers that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.