Project helps carers secure extra income

A PROJECT has helped carers secure hundreds of thousands of pounds of extra household income for residents.

Carers of East Lothian received £85,000 of funding over three years from Scottish Power to employ advisors providing information on saving energy and benefits entitlement.

Now hundreds of residents have benefited to the tune of £469,000 in the project’s first year after their carers accessed the new information.

Ann Loughrey, Scottish Power Energy People Trust’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “Funding provided by the Scottish Power has made an enormous difference to more than 750 people and we are delighted to have been able to help.

“We look forward to seeing what Carers of East Lothian can do over the next couple of years.”

Tony Segall, centre manager at Carers of East Lothian, said: “Funding has made a real difference to carers in East Lothian and enabled hundreds to lift themselves out of fuel poverty and keep warm throughout the year.”