AN EAST End housing association has revealed tenants do not want to get out of bed due to worries over the rising cost of living and energy bills. 

Wellhouse Housing Association has offered householders access to a £6000 fund operated by the Scottish Government after worried residents contacted them with concerns about paying their bills. 

One pensioner was helped to access the warm home access after it was found they did not immediately qualify. They said: “I didn’t want to get up because of the worry.

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“I’ve never received any financial help before."

And a young family said that Wellhouse had been "lifesavers" after they stepped in to provide for the family when they ran out of cash to pay mounting energy bills. They said: “Wellhouse Housing Association has genuinely been a lifesaver for us.”

The association runs an income advice service that gives residents assistance with finances such as checks to ensure they are receiving the correct level of welfare benefits and emergency payments.

Fuel bills are set to rise by around 54% on average with families facing eye-watering £700 increases in their energy bills. Wellhouse worries that many of the tenants living in properties they manage may have to face a choice between heating and eating.

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Laura Reilly, the association's income advisor said: “People across Scotland were already struggling to pay energy bills before the massive hike announced last week.

“This, coupled with rising living costs, will pose an impossible decision for many families- the choice between heating their homes or putting food on their table.

Glasgow Times:

“We believe that is one no one should have to make, so this funding is essential and I’m glad we are able to support our residents in this way.”

Sally Thomas, Chief Executive, SFHA, said: “Housing associations work hard to make their homes energy efficient and to reduce the cost of heating them, however, their tenants are more likely to be in fuel poverty, often due to their lower incomes.

“With energy prices and the cost of living rising, we really welcome the Scottish Government, once again, providing this funding. We are pleased to work with the government to distribute the funds which will help to support Wellhouse Housing Association’s vital work in tackling fuel poverty and make a real difference to its tenants’ lives.” 

Any WHA tenant who would benefit from this support can contact Laura at the Income Advice Service on 0141 781 1884.