Millions of pounds are to be invested in a new national poverty scheme, it has been announced.

The measures will help to reduce people's winter fuel bills.

The Scottish Government has said it will invite bids for the contract, worth up to £224m over a seven-year period, to deliver the fuel poverty scheme. The initiative will come into force from 2015 and will bring energy efficiency measures such as improved insulation and heating systems to help create warmer and greener homes for thousands of people living in Scotland.

The announcement comes as a campaign is launched encouraging residents to take advantage of help to reduce their winter fuel bills.

The Home Energy Scotland campaign seeks to provide householders with free and impartial advice on support to help cut energy bills, whatever their circumstances.

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Launching the campaign, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Anyone can get energy efficiency advice and find out what's available to them, and many others can also qualify for energy saving improvements such as insulation, boilers or central heating for free.

"Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland, with over 27% of households affected.

"It is a scandal that there should be any fuel poverty in an energy-rich country like Scotland, and that is why I am delighted to announce a contract worth up to £224 million over seven years for the delivery of a new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015.

"This will build on the success of the Energy Assistance Scheme, which has provided over 46,000 vulnerable households with heating and/or insulation measures over the past five years.

"This long term contract will help thousands more households over the next few years, and is testament to our commitment to helping Scots escape fuel poverty."

People can contact the Home Energy Scotland hotline on 0808 808 2282 or visit the HES website.

(JP/IT)