NEW guidance has been issued to help Keighley-district households as fuel poverty is set to rise.

According to a Government report, just under 16 per cent of the region's households are in fuel poverty – defined as a property with an energy efficiency rating of Band D to G and a disposable income below the poverty line.

But the figure is expected to increase as people battle with rising energy costs and inflation.

OFTEC, a registration body for off-gas grid heating technicians, has released new advice and is urging households to make full use of available energy payment and saving schemes.

People who receive pension credit or are on a low income may be entitled to a Warm Home Discount. The £150 one-off discount is applied directly to electricity bills.

Also, those on pension credit or certain other benefits could be eligible to claim a cold weather payment.

And the Energy Companies Obligation Scheme helps households living in fuel poverty to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes.

Malcolm Farrow, for OFTEC, says: "The latest fuel poverty report is deeply worrying – it’s more crucial than ever that households are aware of the support available."

For more details, visit oftec.org