Turn the Heat Up for Carers

3.35.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Oct 2008

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington is urging carers to claim all the benefits they are entitled to in this time of economic hardship and high energy costs.

Tom Brake says "I am being contacted by many people who are finding the increased costs of domestic bills and high food prices difficult to manage. Some are having to choose between buying food or paying their bills. Obviously the poorest are the worst affected. This is deeply concerning.

Tom added, "There is a means-tested scheme called Energy Plus Care which may benefit some of my constituents and I want to ensure they know about it".

If a carer's energy bill is more than 10 per cent of their total income they could be entitled to up to a 20 per cent reduction in their energy bill (gas, electricity and oil). This is a scheme offered by energy companies through the Careline Priority Service free advice line 0800 622 838.