RESIDENTS in Oxfordshire are being urged to apply for a discount on their winter heating bills before a Government scheme closes to new applicants.

SSE is encouraging customers who think they might be eligible for the £140 Warm Homes Discount to claim the reduction by getting in touch with their provider.

The scheme is set to close to new applicants in the coming fortnight.

Customers may be eligible for the discount if they or their partner are in receipt of certain benefits, suffer from a long-term illness, are disabled or are on a low income.

However, there are only a limited number of grants available.

Customer service operations director at SSE Gareth Wood, said: “We know the winter months can be concerning for some households as the colder nights set in and the heating comes on.

“That’s why we’re urging customers to get in touch with us if they think they might be eligible for financial assistance under the Warm Home Discount. However, there is a limit on the number of people that can receive the discount and applications are due to close soon.

"If a customer thinks they might fit the description they should get in touch as soon as possible to make sure they can get this help.”

For more information and how to apply visit: www.sse.co.uk/whd or call 0800 300111