According to Government figures, 1 in 5 homes across South Lakes are defined as being in ‘fuel poverty’ spending at least 10% of household income keeping the home warm.

Many more homes are close to this poverty level, struggling with fuel bills, with low or irregular incomes, or living in homes that cost more than average to heat.

Many people do not realize that energy suppliers have to help customers repay fuel debts at an affordable rate and for cases of hardship there may be grants to help clear arrears and ‘social’ tariffs offering a cheaper rate.

Across Cumbria there are also schemes to improve insulation or install a modern boiler and radiators in your home. It all depends on your circumstances, so why not find out more.

Switching suppliers can be a baffling process and with rising utility prices and limited options in our rural area, many people need advice from an impartial source.

Your local Citizens Advice bureau can help you. Our service is free and we do not receive any ‘kickbacks’ from energy suppliers so you can trust our advice is impartial. So why not get in touch and see if you could save money this winter keeping warm?

Free, confidential advice and help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, benefits, employment, housing and any other problems.

You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person.

Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464. If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation?

Not many people realize that we are a charity - see our website for details www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk.