The partnership agreement is particularly relevant as gas and electricity prices are increasing which will have a significant impact over the coming colder months and many people will be faced with higher cost of heating, having to make difficult choices between heating, paying other bills or even food.

Scarf, which is a not-for-profit organisation, will be able to offer free advice on the current situation with energy suppliers and can also help and give reassurances to people who have recently been told their energy supplier has stopped trading.

Scarf can also offer advice on saving energy and reducing fuel bills along with advice on heating systems and insulation measures for your property across all tenure types. It can also able to support people in accessing various grants.

Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with Scarf, a social enterprise organisation dedicated to helping people struggling with fuel poverty and to promote the efficient use of energy in our communities and businesses.

“Aberdeen City Council’s commitment to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) includes the key objective that no one will suffer due to poverty by 2026. Poverty has a huge impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. We are aware that the pandemic has pushed more people into poverty which is why key partnerships are essential to enable us to do all that we can to ensure Aberdeen is a city where everyone can prosper.”

Lawrence Johnston, acting CEO at Scarf, said: “We’re currently in unchartered water with rising gas prices, the energy cap rising and energy suppliers struggling to survive. It’s a very worrying time for householders especially as we approach winter and fuel bills are set to rise as we turn the heating on.

“If you’re worried about how you’ll manage your bills our home energy advisors can work with you to take practical steps and keep the costs as low as possible.”

The Scarf HEAT team can give advice over the phone or they can visit homes for people who need assistance or additional support - call free on 0808 129 0888 or email info@scarf.org.uk to speak to the HEAT team or arrange an appointment.