Murdo Fraser MSP is urging residents in Perth and Kinross to claim their energy voucher from a UK Government-run scheme.
The Scottish Conservative politician was reacting to the announcement by Energy Action Scotland that 20% of the available vouchers from the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme have not been claimed by residents living in Perth and Kinross, with an approximate value of £490,380 (source: Ofgem).
The details show that the levels of unclaimed support are extremely high across Scotland with vouchers expiring on June 30.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “This scheme was introduced by the UK Government to help people pay their energy bills. I am urging residents to claim their energy voucher as it is apparent many people have not done so, with 20% of the vouchers not being redeemed in Perth and Kinross.
“Many people will be struggling to pay their energy bills so will need all the help they can, and this scheme gives them some financial assistance.”
Mr Fraser continued: “Households with modern pre-payment meters had their £400 Energy Support credited directly to their meters each month of the scheme, in a similar fashion to households who pay by direct debit. And households with older, non-digital pre-payment meters were unable to receive their support this way and were issued with vouchers by post, text or email.
“The data released shows that the levels of unclaimed support are extremely high across Scotland and with the vouchers expiring on June 30, people only have a few weeks to claim within this deadline. The vouchers for the scheme are valid for 90 days so I would ask any local residents who are entitled to qualify for the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme, but haven’t claimed their necessary vouchers, to do so as soon as possible.”
