Elderly people have been encouraged to seek heating grants to compensate for the costs of insulating their homes.

People in England who receive Pension Credit and live in their own home or rent from a private landlord can apply for a grant of up to £2,700 for an insulation and heating improvement package while similar schemes operate in Scotland and Wales, reports the Press Association.

"We're seeing energy prices on the increase so it's more important than ever that homes are energy efficient and everyone receives the financial help they're entitled to," said environment minister Phil Woolas.

He went onto maintain that insulation and boiler improvements could make a "big difference" to energy bills and that the government would provide funding to those who need assistance.

Letters have been sent to around a quarter of a million eligible residents to inform them of the funding they may be entitled to.

The Scotsman has recently highlighted that with the number of pensioners set to rise by 31 per cent by 2031, more and more elderly people in Scotland will require personal care in the future.