AROUND 105,000 Glasgow families face a miserable winter because they cannot afford to heat their homes, a report says.

AROUND 105,000 Glasgow families face a miserable winter because they cannot afford to heat their homes, a report says.

Earlier this year city councillors were told around 72,000 families did not have enough money to pay heating bills.

Tomorrow the council's executive committee will be told that number is believed to have soared by another 33,000 due to two recent substantial fuel bill increases.

They included a 35% rise in gas bills and 9% on electricity from Scottish Gas in July, while other firms have also imposed major increases.

Of the 105,000 affected families, about 35,000 are estimated to have "extreme" problems finding the cash to stay warm.

Households are said to be in fuel poverty if they have to spend at least 10% of their disposable income on heating and lighting.

In an attempt to ease the problem, Glasgow's councillors will be asked to set up a team to advise people struggling to pay.

That could include ensuring householders make the best use of energy in their homes, advising on the best possible fuel tariffs, and helping those who qualify to access special low bills available to the most needy.

Advice workers are likely to travel across the city to host regular sessions in the offices of organisations such as Citizens Advice, Money Advice, credit unions and housing associations.

They would also meet individuals referred to them and talk to people in their homes.

George Ryan, council spokesman for development and regeneration, said: "Fuel poverty is a major issue for the city and the numbers mentioned are staggering.

It is obviously a huge concern for the council.

"We want to create a team of experts so the council can be the conduit to get the money flowing to the people who need it the most."

The move was welcomed by the charity Help the Aged Scotland, which said the majority of people in Glasgow suffering fuel poverty are elderly.

A spokesman added: "Many people cannot afford to switch the central heating on because it costs too much.

"Also, many older people do not have access to the internet, so they lose out because they cannot access the price comparison sites."

A spokeswoman for ScottishPower said it backed any scheme aimed at helping the most vulnerable manage their finances.