Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, has welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that 10,000 more families will receive help to save around 900 pounds a year on fuel bills, as part of an extension of the Scottish Government's Energy Assistance Package.

This money will give families on low income support, the opportunity to get central heating systems, home insulation, thermostats and green energy devices fitted into their homes.

This offer will be available to families who receive benefits including child tax credit, income support and housing benefits, furthermore ministers have asked the Fuel Poverty Forum to look into extending this offer to chronically ill patients and cancer sufferers in Scotland.

Commenting on the subject, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

"It is great news that the Scottish Government has decided to help a further 10,000 families with fuel bills through its Energy Assistance Package, especially during these harsh economic times, and it will come as a welcome addition during these cold winter months.

"With rising fuel prices and bitterly cold weather like we’ve just had, we know it’s not just the elderly that will struggle with their heating costs.

"It’s important that we give all the support we can to those affected by severe illness and who may therefore be struggling with fuel costs too. We’ve also asked the Fuel Poverty Forum to investigate what we can do in this area and we’ll be considering their recommendations as a matter of priority."