FUEL poverty could lead to a rise in coronavirus cases unless people are given help to heat their homes over the winter, a Glasgow MP has warned.

David Linden, Glasgow East SNP MP, has asked the UK Government to extend the Winter Fuel Payment to people on Universal Credit.

He said the Academy of Medical Sciences has warned that in homes where the temperature is less than 18C the virus will thrive.

Mr Linden said almost 2.5 million homes are in fuel poverty across the UK going into winter.

He said: “I have had many constituents in touch to discuss how Covid-19 has impacted them and their livelihoods. By offering this Winter Fuel Payment, the Government would help to alleviate some of the most pressing economic stressors of those most impacted by the pandemic.

“The Prime Minister and this Government has a responsibility to protect those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, as such the Covid-19 Winter Fuel Payment will help protect those households currently at risk during the pandemic.”

Around one in four homes in Glasgow is estimated to be in fuel poverty.

The Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 is available to people over 65if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit.