People living at park home sites in Helensburgh and Lomond are being encouraged to apply for a dedicated energy discount.

Permanent residents of park home sites throughout Argyll and Bute can apply for a dedicated Park Homes Warm Discount scheme. 

Payments of £150 could be made available to eligible park home residents who do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier and instead pay the site owners for their electricity usage.

The scheme, which opened for applications on Monday, October 16, is operated by Charis, an organisation supporting those facing hardship with utility debt alongside their partner Lightning Reach who will manage the application process. 

 Funding for the scheme is limited and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until all monies are allocated. Payments are then made directly into successful applicants' bank accounts by the end of March 2024. 

 Argyll and Bute's MP Brendan O'Hara said: "I have been contacted by a large number of constituents,  many of whom are elderly, some in poor health and on low incomes in exactly  this situation.

Through no fault of their own, they have found themselves cut out of the government’s standard Warms Discount Scheme because they pay their utility bills directly to the site owner and unlike many others, they do not have the option to save money by switching energy supplier. 

"I am very glad that this scheme has been launched, particularly as winter approaches, and could be a crucial lifeline for many.  I would urge anyone who believes they may be eligible to apply as soon as possible.”

Applicants need to be permanently living in a park home, and either receive government support, benefits or have a household income below £18,723.

For more information visit the Charis website at charisgrants.com/park-homes