Cost of living: Advice on offer from Clackmannanshire CAB

Yet, the ongoing cost of living crisis is expected to push millions more into poverty this winter and already, more and more households that managed before are beginning to struggle.

Help and support is out there, however.

Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau (Clacks CAB), has been keeping on top of a fast-moving landscape with staff and volunteers at the ready to help those in need.

Its managing director, Jonny Miller, told the Advertiser: “Absolutely expecting more people in full time jobs to struggle.

“We only have anecdotal evidence at this point – we’re collecting stats for our annual report – and that is that we’re getting a lot more energy enquiries including from older people and families who might have been managing before.”

With the economy teetering on the edge of recession according to some economists, rising energy prices and uncertainties over Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine, there are clouds glooming over many Wee County households.

HERE TO HELP: Kirsty Davies presents to a group as part of LEAP - Picture by Jan van der Merwe

“The number one thing we are advising is not to ignore it before things escalate,” said Kirsty Davies, Local Energy Advice Project (LEAP) project worker at Clacks CAB.

“Either contact your supplier to explain the situation or get in touch with us so we can assess people’s position and potentially act on their behalf to negotiate with energy suppliers and try to get more favourable terms.

“As you can imagine, demand is high so if groups can get together, we can deliver collective advice.”

Recently, volunteers at The Gate’s foodbank told the Advertiser how a number of the people who are receiving emergency food parcels are asking for meals that do not need to be heated or can be microwaved, saying they cannot afford to put the oven on.

At a council meeting earlier this month, elected representatives committed to outlining what support the local authority will be offering this winter while an officer said the coming months will be treated “almost as an emergency response incident”.

Across the wider Citizens Advice Scotland network, advice relating to utilities has already gone up from 26 per cent of all enquiries to 35 per cent.

Food insecurity advice has increased from 36 per cent to 45 per cent of incoming calls for help.

More than one in 10 who are seeking advice on utilities also required advice on foodbanks.

During an Energy Saving Winter focus group with clients for Citizens Advice Scotland last week, run by Clacks CAB’s communications and project funding co-ordinator Nancy Dear, one person on a pre-payment meter was down to their last couple of pounds with the first Energy Bills Support Scheme payment arriving just in time.

Another, a disabled carer, has seen prices skyrocket and sets the thermostat to just 13 degrees despite needing to keep warm due to a condition.

“Everyone was adopting measures to save energy,” Nancy continued.

“Another who had lost their job and run up arrears will, sadly, be having to choose to heat or eat.”

The team of advisers at Clacks CAB outlined the support available.

• The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide scheme, which provides additional support during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to your gas, electricity or water supply. It is available to those with additional needs such as health conditions; children under 5; 60+; visual/hearing impairments. Apply at psrscotland.com or through supplier.

• The Warm Home Discount is an annual £150 discount that is applied to your electricity bill. There is a core group – on pension credit - and broader group, on low income, who are entitled. If the latter, apply via your supplier’s website. Application dates vary depending on the supplier.

• The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, one-off payment to help you pay for home heating over winter. People can usually get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before September 25, 1956.

• Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) is a Scottish Government initiative to increase energy efficiency in households and reduce fuel poverty. It’s run by Home Energy Scotland. Visit homeenergyscotland.org.

• Clackmannanshire Council’s Energy & Sustainability Team are another great source of advice on all sorts such as home energy efficiency, grants and more, even down to helping people use their heating systems properly. The team holds regular energy advice surgeries throughout the area including Alloa, Alva and Clackmannan and home visits can also be arranged. Visit here, email fuelenergyadvice@clacks.gov.uk or phone 01259 450000.

CAMPAIGN: Nancy Dear from Clacks CAB recently held a focus group to hear how people are reducing energy use already - Picture by Jan van der Merwe

Nancy added: “Our energy campaign focus group threw up lots of great ideas to reduce energy use including turning the heating thermostat down; not using the tumble dryer and rarely using the oven turning to air fryers, slow cookers and, microwaves; switching lights off when not in a room and switching to LED light bulbs.

“Also, switch any appliances you’re not using that aren’t connected to digital displays you depend on, off at the wall.

“Wearing more clothes in winter is something we’ll all be doing and checking out heated clothing like oodies, which will be flying off the shelves this winter.”

The CAB in Clacks also has two specialist energy advisers to help different demographics with energy issues.

Kirsty runs LEAP, giving advice and support to a very broad, and growing, demographic that needs help.

Edana O’Donnell, safe and warm energy adviser, prioritises asylum seekers, minority ethnic groups, travellers, park home communities, the digitally excluded and other vulnerable groups.

They can both help people on an individual basis, but are keen to address groups and communities seeking advice can email bureau@clackscab.casonline.org.uk in the first instance.

At Clacks CAB, the general advice service continues to be available via the above address or call 01259 219404 between 10am and 3pm on weekdays.

There are outreach services in Alloa, Alva, Clackmannan and Tullibody as well along with the drop-in at the Burgh Mews premises, available 10am to 2pm, Monday to Thursday.

Managing director Jonny added: “We are living through the worst cost of living crisis for 40 years and our service provides a lifeline for people.

“People in crisis often can’t think straight and our staff and volunteers will guide them to the most appropriate help including the terrific work of some local community groups who will be providing warm spaces this winter.”

The CAB will be running its Big Energy Saving Winter campaign this year, visit cas.org.uk for more advice and tips.