West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin this week offered her support to a campaign to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient. The Government has allocated more than £1 billion towards helping people save money on their heating bills which are expected to rise between six and nine per cent this winter. The Government has launched ‘Big Energy Saving Week’ to promote a range of grants and advice centres. Two million people qualify for help and Harriett offered her support to spread the word to county householders. Harriett said: “Forecasters are predicting that the cold snap is on the way so there could not be a better time to find out what home owners can do to be more energy efficient. “There are a number of grants available to help vulnerable and elderly people and many sources of advice to reduce the impact of rising energy costs. “District councils offer support as well so it is important that we all do our bit to make sure that everyone is kept warm this winter.” More information can be found from the Citizens Advice Bureau or at www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/funding/whds/whds.aspx Harriett also offered her support to a number of bulk buying schemes which will help to keep heating prices at manageable levels. She added: “Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils both run schemes to help people get better prices for heating oil and gas. “There is evidence that rural areas suffer much more in cold spells because of the cost to get oil and gas out at the last minute. “I urge people to look ahead and join in a scheme which will ensure they get a fair price and aren’t caught out.”