North Ayrshire Council is ramping up efforts to support residents through the current Cost-of-Living Crisis with the launch of a £450,000 energy crisis payment scheme.

The scheme – which opens for applications today (Monday, October 31) – is aiming to provide much-needed funds directly to low-income households to help with their energy bills.

The payment scheme is the next phase of the Council’s wide-ranging ‘Energy Smart’ programme, introduced to provide a variety of supports to households struggling with soaring energy prices and inflation.

In an effort to make the application process as simple as possible, people can either apply online or be supported through the application over the phone.

You can call 01294 310000 or visit the council website at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/CostOfLiving to learn more.

While the fund is aimed primarily at households with low income, there are other supports available and people are encouraged to get in contact to see what help is available to you.

Council staff will also be reaching out into communities to make people aware of the supports on offer. This includes promoting the new Energy Smart programme at food banks and other touchpoints, and Council staff highlighting the scheme when visiting vulnerable people in their homes as part of the delivery of other services.