Since last winter, North Ayrshire Council has supported thousands of residents by offering financial and practical support through its Energy Smart programme to help residents cope with rising energy crisis and increased inflation.

And, this winter, further help is available through North Ayrshire’s replenished Energy Smart Emergency Support fund.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “It is vital – now, more than ever as we approach winter – that residents access all the available support and funding.

“I would encourage people to call up and find out what help they are eligible for. The council, and our partners, are determined to do what we can to help ease the burden of the cost-of-living Crisis on people in our communities.

“Last winter, we supported more than 1,500 eligible households specifically through our £450,000 Emergency Support payment.

“Due to the success of the scheme and the positive feedback we’ve received, we will once again be inviting applications from the people of North Ayrshire to help them keep their homes warm this winter.”

For further detail on the Emergency Support Payment, phone 01294 310 000 or apply online.