Prepare for the chill, is MP's advice

Peter Grant, MP for Cardenden and Kinglassie is urging his constituents to not be caught out after new research from Scottish Gas has highlighted that having no heating or hot water would be the number one disaster for households in Scotland this winter.

Even so, many people in Peter Grant's Glenrothes and Central Fife constituency have not taken action to ensure their homes are winter-ready.

Despite the cold snap in late November and December, a national survey shows that more than a third of households (35%) in Scotland have not checked that their central heating is working properly and nearly four in ten have not prepared their home for winter by getting their boiler serviced.

Having an annual boiler service carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer is crucial as it detects problems with the boiler and controls, including whether it is leaking poisonous carbon monoxide.

Commenting, Peter said: “Given the nature of the weather forecast for the coming weeks, it’s vital that everyone in Glenrothes and Central Fife prepares their homes for winter.

"There is lots we can do to improve energy efficiency in our homes and keep winter fuel bills under control. I’d encourage my constituents to contact their energy supplier to find out what support they offer.

“Some things you can do right now are bleed your radiators to make sure they are in top working order, fit draught excluders and check your boiler pressure is at the correct level. You can find more useful tips at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland.

“People born on or before 5 August 1953 could be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment to help with the cost of heating over the winter months.

"You can check if you’re eligible online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment or contact my office if you need help to make a claim. You may also receive a Cold Weather Payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.”