A charity has urged the big six energy firms to stump up more cash for a fuel poverty scheme that was rolled out in a small part of Scotland for just two months.
The head of Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said she is "frustrated" that the charity could only offer its Energy Best Deal Plus scheme in nine communities in Scotland.
The project has helped 430 low-income families since it was launched two months ago but it closes this Friday. It is funded by the big six energy companies and endorsed by the Scottish government, and secured an average discount of £150 for its clients.
CAS is now looking for more money to make it permanent and extend it to all Scottish Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) in future.
Margaret Lynch, Chief Executive of CAS, said: "We are very frustrated that we can only offer it in these nine areas. We want it to be available at all CABs, and we are urging the fuel companies to give us the funding to make that possible.
"We need this project to become a national one, and to be made permanent.
"But in the meantime, we urge everyone in these nine areas who is struggling with their bills to come forward and get the help they need. And of course, people in other areas of Scotland can get free expert financial advice from their CAB as well."
She added: "The project has been a terrific success so far, and is making a real practical difference to the lives of many vulnerable families. After all, if you are struggling to pay your fuel bill, a saving of £150 is really good news. The money is there and waiting to be allocated to those who need it.
"So we want more people to come forward and access the scheme before it finishes on Friday. There's just a few days left, and a lot more money to claim."
The nine CABs which are running the scheme until Friday are Airdrie, Dumfries & Galloway, Denny & Dunipace, Motherwell & Wishaw, North Ayrshire, Nairn, Roxburgh & Berwickshire, Rutherglen and Stirling.
