MSP encourages central heating appeals after visit to Cumnock Elderly Forum
8 MarchCathy Jamieson MSP says:
When I attended the Cumnock elderly forum recently, one of the key issues raised was the change to the Central Heating Scheme for pensioners. I have also been contacted by constituents who are concerned that they will no longer be eligible for help.
At Health & Wellbeing Themed Questions in Parliament last Thursday, my colleague Helen Eadie MSP pressed the Minister, Alex Neil, on the low numbers of people qualifying for central heating measures under the Energy Assistance Package. It resulted in him saying that, where there is doubt about a person's eligibility due to an intermittently or poorly working existing system, they must be approved for new central heating. This statement signals a clear and welcome change in approach.
If you are aware of anyone who has been refused central heating measures under these circumstances, it may be worth asking for their case to be reviewed in light of the Minister's comments. Please let me know of any cases you would like me to pursue.
To view the parliamentary question and answer please click on the following link:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0304-02.htm#Col24270
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