Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed a new campaign encouraging people who are anxious about energy bills or the cost of living to seek advice this winter.

The Worried this Winter campaign has been launched by the Citizens Advice Network in Scotland following research showing that energy bills are the top concern for over 2.2 million people in Scotland this winter, while a further 1.4 million are worried about being able to properly heat their home.

The campaign aims to make the public aware of the various ways in which they can access advice from the Citizens Advice network. This includes local Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs), as well as a range of online advice pages and Citizens Advice Scotland’s Helpline on 0800 028 1456.

Commenting on the campaign, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“The Citizens Advice network in Scotland undertakes vitally important work to support and advise people with a range of issues.

“CABs can deliver life changing results – the average gain for energy advice last year was over £400, while the average gain for advice more broadly was over £3,700.

“Energy bills and other living costs remain major concerns for many households this winter, so I welcome the ‘Worried this Winter’ campaign. It signposts people to the advice and support available to help them get through the winter.

“Anyone who is worried about their energy or other bills should visit www.cas.org.uk/worried or contact their local CAB for face to face help.”