TWO thousand households in Westmorland are eligible for assistance for heating their homes, it has been revealed.

Westmorland MP Tim Farron says it equates to six per cent who could get help from energy companies - but only if they take up the offer.

The findings are from Home Heat Helpline.

Households that qualify include low income pensioners, disadvantaged families with children or those with a disability, or any household that lives in one of the most deprived areas in the country.

Mr Farron said: “Forecasters are predicting a cold winter ahead and many people who are elderly or on low incomes may not know where to turn for help and advice on keeping their homes warm.

"The best way for people in Cumbria to prepare is to act now."

Support includes insulation and boilers, with many elderly and low income families qualifying for the £135 Warm Home Discount on energy bills.

Vulnerable households are urged to call the confidential, free Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to find out if they qualify, and to ascertain the type of support they may be able to receive to keep their homes warm. The helpline offers impartial advice to vulnerable people who are worried about their energy bills and staying warm during the winter.

Last winter, the Home Heat Helpline assisted over 42,000 people across Britain with approximately £250 energy savings per household.