Fuel poverty aid extended in Lothians

SOME of the Lothians' poorest families are to receive help in driving down their energy bills.

The Scottish Government is targeting 10,000 low -income households across the country in the hope of saving them 900 a year.

Modern central heating systems, home insulation, thermostats and green energy devices will be among the items given to eligible families, who will have to have a child under 16 living there to qualify.

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Housing and communities minister Alex Neil said the measures would go some way towards helping to eradicate fuel poverty.

"The help available through our 60 million scheme is providing real help to bring down fuel bills, so we're opening it up so that many more households can benefit," he said.

"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.

"We estimate that by opening up the help available, 10,000 more families will benefit from help to make their homes more energy-efficient and cut their bills by hundreds of pounds."