WEE COUNTY families are being urged to apply for any funding they may be eligible for as energy costs spiral.

The home heating support fund was designed to prevent households falling into fuel poverty.

Around £4million has been set aside by the Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of the price hikes.

The fund will be administered by Advice Direct Scotland, around £1m already issued to families.

Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, said: "This is a serious issue. Last year, a poll found that nearly a third of Scots had rationed their energy use so they could afford to spend money on other goods and services and with recent price rises and a further steep increase in bills due in April, the problem is only going to grow.

"More than 400 charities, organisations and advisers have already signed up as 'referral partners' so they can make applications on behalf of their clients.

"In addition, individual households in Scotland can now apply directly to the fund, although to ensure that the support is properly targeted, applicants will need to provide evidence they have received advice from an accredited debt or energy advice agency."

"I would encourage any local residents struggling with their energy bills to investigate whether they might benefit from the support this fund offers through any energy or debt organisation currently providing them with advice."

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, added: "This fund is making a massive difference for Scots who are facing huge debts and are being forced to cut back on essentials to heat their homes.

"We have already issued more than £1million on behalf of the Scottish Government to support Scots struggling with their energy bills.

"More and more referral partners are registering to help their clients as the cost-of-living crisis escalates.

"We're pleased that we can now make it possible for direct household applications via an online form.

"Our advisers are working hard to provide free advice to people across Scotland at this difficult time for so many, and more and more referral partners are registering to help their clients as the cost-of-living crisis escalates."

Visit homeheatingadvice.scot or call 0808 800 9060 for more information.