Ways To Contact Nic Dakin:

Scunthorpe Office: 01724 842000

Email: nic.dakin.mp@parliament.uk

Post: 18a, Ethel Court, Scunthorpe DN15 6RP

Email: nic.dakin.mp@parliament.uk nic.dakin.mp@parliament. uk

Tel: 01724 842000

I dropped into the Citizens Advice Bureau’s Energy Week initiative in Scunthorpe market – what a fantastic organisation they are working hard to support people in these difficult times.

As part of Big Energy Week, the CAB and Consumer Focus are highlighting how best to help those in energy debt, an issue that is becoming a real problem

The ‘Plug the Debt’ campaign is trying to help people understand what their rights are, and give advice on what to do if they fall behind on their energy bills.

Suppliers have to help consumers if they get into trouble and have a duty to help manage bills in an affordable way. They should be contacted before debts start to grow.

The key messages about what to do if you fall behind with your energy bill are:

● Contact your energy firm as soon as you realise you might have trouble paying your bill – debts will be harder to pay off if they grow

● Tell your supplier what you can afford to pay – they have to take this into account in agreeing repayments

● Ask your energy company, local Citizens Advice Bureau or the Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 to find out about other free energy help available

● Even if you are in debt, you may be able to switch to a cheaper deal with your current supplier, especially if you pay by cash, cheque or pre-payment meter

● Find out if you are missing out on financial help that could make it easier to pay your bills by contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau

There are information packs, leaflets and useful links regarding energy debts on this website:

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/aboutus/bew_energy_debt.htm

Nic with Alan Usher of CAB