Cheshire East and North Citizens Advice Bureau is urging families and vulnerable people to take advantage of its Home Energy Support Fund ahead of the expected cold snap later this month.

And they've increased the support they can offer through the scheme to £98 per household.

With some fuel bills rising higher than ever before, the fund was set up initially by Cheshire East Council with some additional donations from local people through its JustGiving page

justgiving.com/campaign/CACNHomeEnergySupportFund

To qualify, the client must;

·        Be a resident of Cheshire East

·        Be unable to pay their domestic fuel bills

·        Be in short-term hardship causing a suspension of any regular income, eg. loss of employment,

delay or suspension of welfare benefits payment, relationship breakdown etc.

·        Be able to demonstrate that they have contracted with a utility company for domestic fuel.

·        Be prepared to engage with the Citizens Advice Bureau regarding better value with fuel costs

The Home Energy Support Fund started in November and has already helped more than 100 households.

Scheme co-ordinator, Jill Walsh said: "The number of people in crisis coming to us for help with their heating costs is increasing week on week. 

"Thanks to Cheshire East Council, Wilmslow Town Council and the generosity of local people, our Home Energy Support Fund is one of the ways that we are helping. Please get in touch if you are struggling.'", she added.

People living in the North of Cheshire East can contact the Bureau through the website www.citizensadvicecn.org.uk where they can email them and an advisor will make contact.

People can also contact the Bureau on 01625 708608 and leave a message. The messages are monitored throughout the day and the first available adviser will call back.

For people living in the South of Cheshire East including Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager and Crewe can contact them through its website by emailing them at www.citizensadvicece.org.uk.

People can also call on 0800 144 8848.

Payments are made online to the supplier where possible, or through Clevercards, Paypoint or Post Office vouchers.

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