WINTER has now arrived in the Borders, and local MP Calum Kerr is urging everyone to make sure they’re getting the help and advice they need on staying warm and cutting energy bills.

He is suggesting people get in touch with their energy suppliers to check their eligibility for support which may be available.

The Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP said: “It’s really important to be prepared for winter and I want everyone to understand the help which is available to them.

“Being energy efficient and keeping bills under control is really important, and the steps you can take to do this are really very simple.”

A range of schemes are available including the Warm Home Discount, which offers vulnerable customers a one-off reduction this winter of £140 off their energy bills.

Other potential help includes free or subsidised insulation and grants from the Scottish Gas Energy Trust.

Energy users can also take a number of steps to make sure their home stays warm and safe include sealing doors and windows properly, checking their boiler, making sure their water tank and pipes are sufficiently insulated and having a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.

Calum added: “It’s certainly worth checking to see if you qualify for support. Keeping warm over winter is absolutely vital and constituents may be entitled to extra help from the government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria.”

Christine McGourty, Managing Director of Scottish Gas, commented: “Winter can be a challenging time for households and many people will be concerned about their energy bill. There is help available and we urge customers to get in touch to find out what advice and support is on offer.

“In the long term term, energy efficiency is is still the best way to save money on bills. Scottish Gas is pleased to be working with government at all levels to roll out free loft and cavity insulation for eligible households and you don’t need to be a Scottish Gas customer to sign up.

“We’re also proud to be leading the way in the roll out of smart meters which enable you to see how much energy you are using in pounds and pence and identify where savings can be made.”