Highland Council has therefore decided to use part of the Governments funding to set up a fuel support fund for those who are having difficulties paying for fuel for their homes.. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. Alternatively, you can email [emailprotected] for further information or telephone Home Energy Scotland for free on 0808 808 2282 for impartial energy advice, to discuss funding options currently available and assess your eligibility for the scheme. We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.. (LogOut/ The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Low income . Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. He added that in response to the unprecedented demand from Highland residents in need of financial and other support, the council has increased welfare staff numbers and set up a dedicated fuel support telephone number, enabling households to call 01349 781990 to provide their details. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. It is crucial that we encourage as many people as possible to sign up to the Energy Efficiency Scotland Area Based Scheme to benefit from grant funding to carry out energy efficiency improvements to their homes, improving comfort levels and attempt to minimise the impact of rising fuel costs. Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their energy costs and pay their bills. Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. Funding from Scottish Government grant covers the cost of the installation, in the most part, although some works may require a household contribution to meet the shortfall between installation cost and funding available. All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. For those experiencing fuel insecurities, the scheme is available to low income households who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and for those without recourse to public funds. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. Highland Council to consider support for households living in fuel Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty Fuel Support Fund - Highland Third Sector Interface | Facebook The Fund has offered Highland Council 1m of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. 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Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund, The councils Welfare Support Team provide free, impartial and confidential support to claim all entitlements including the Fuel Support Fund. This discretionary fuel support scheme is still open and plans remain in place to ensure households who have not yet responded, will not lose out, he said. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. Households in the Ross-shire and the rest of the Highlands who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of Covid-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund grant from Highland Council. Change). The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Mr Stone added: We know our local authorities are under incredible pressure, not least because they have endured years of chronic underfunding from the SNP. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Highland Council has been delivering the Scottish Governments Energy Efficiency Scotland Area Based Scheme for over nine years, which offers households the opportunity to benefit from grant funded innovative, energy efficiency measures, which have the potential to improve peoples living conditions. The Liberal Democrat MP said: It is entirely wrong that the council is telling people that they must apply online to access the Fuel Support Payment, despite operating a phone support line for the expressed purpose of helping people claim their benefits. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Proposals to provide almost 3m to help households in fuel poverty in Highland this winter will be considered by members at the meeting of full Council on 9 December. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. Applications for the fuel support fund can be made online via the councils website at or by calling the welfare support team on 0800 090 1004. All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. All rights reserved. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Households in the Highlands who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from The Highland Council. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The scheme has this week received vital grant support from SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund, which will provide additional funds to reduce or remove entirely householder contributions for those in extreme fuel poverty. Highland households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone accused Highland Council of wilful digital exclusion over recent letters sent out to residents inviting them to claim a 180 Fuel Support Payment. Leader of Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson, said:In the light of the clear concerns about extreme fuel poverty in Highland communities, it is imperative that we take immediate action to relieve some of the worst impacts this winter. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. All Rights Reserved. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. A payment of 180 will now be made to around 16,440 eligible Highland households where residents are in receipt of means-tested council tax reduction. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund (FSF) has been set up by the council using Scottish Government money which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Where appropriate, eligible applicants will be awarded a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund before being considered for a grant from the local Fuel Support Fund. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. At the end of October, the Scottish Government announced a 41 million Winter Support Fund for low-income families which includes 10m nationally to help those struggling to pay their fuel bills. We are encouraging local members to promote this scheme through their ward meetings to highlight its many benefits., He added: On top of the financial savings the scheme also delivers significant carbon savings and enables householders to meet the challenges of climate change and improve properties energy efficiency rating in accordance with Scottish Government targets., "The Sustainable Development Fund is focused on creating lasting transformation in the Highlands. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their energy costs and pay their bills. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. The Scottish Government grant is available for owner occupiers and private rented properties subject to eligibility (see table below), grant funding cannot be used to cover installation costs for social properties (either Council or Registered Landlord). Mr Stone queried why it did not state the payment could be claimed by speaking to an advisor over the phone using the councils welfare support line. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. For those experiencing fuel insecurities, the scheme is available to low income households who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and for those without recourse to public funds. All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . For those experiencing fuel insecurities, the scheme is available to low income households who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and for those without recourse to public funds. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Fuel support fund to continue as thousands of north households benefit Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. The Councils Head of Revenues and Business Support will therefore look at these claims on an individual basis so that awards can be made to those who are eligible.. Council tax rules mean that there are some individuals on a low income who are exempt from council tax and therefore not entitled to council tax reduction. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. The Fund has offered Highland Council 1m of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. He said more than 3,000 eligible people could be denied the money in February, in part as a result of the councils decision not to offer a telephone number. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. For those experiencing fuel insecurities, the scheme is available to low income households who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and for those without recourse to public funds. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Large sections of the Highland population do not have access to mains gas and are reliant on more expensive sources of domestic heating such as oil, wood, coal, and wood pellets. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Council tax rules mean that there are some individuals on a low income who are exempt from council tax and therefore not entitled to council tax reduction. On 29 October 2021, the Scottish Government announced a 41m Winter Support Fund for low-income families which includes 10m nationally to help those struggling to pay their fuel bills. The Welfare Support Team provides free, impartial and confidential support on fuel insecurity concerns, in addition to offering assistance to check eligibility and submit a claim for all benefits and entitlements. Households are continuing to provide their details by various channels including the online form on the councils website, by visiting a council service or access point and by contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau or the councils welfare team.. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. If agreed, a payment of 180 would be made to around 16,440 eligible Highland households where residents are in receipt of means-tested council tax reduction. Where appropriate, eligible applicants will be awarded a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund before being considered for a grant from the local Fuel Support Fund. Where appropriate, eligible applicants will be awarded a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund before being considered for a grant from the local Fuel Support Fund. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Highland Council is proposing to use an allocation from this fund together with 2m from reserves in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by Highland . If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. Council officials responded: Due to the difficult situation many of our customers currently find themselves in, our welfare team are already working at full capacity to manage the volume of referrals they receive. Leader of The Highland Council Cllr Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Highland Council - Fuel Support Fund - Cawdor Primary School The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. Hundreds of Highland households worried about rising fuel bills and the cost of living have been given much needed support from Albyn Housing Society this winter, through the housing associations Fuel Support Fund. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a range of energy efficiency measures including: While the programme adopts a fabric first approach, the 2022/23 programme has a particular focus on installation of air source heat pumps and also encouraging householders to consider Cavity Wall, Loft Insulation and solar panels and battery storage. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. You can also get further advice about Welfare. Large sections of the Highland population do not have access to mains gas and are reliant on more expensive sources of domestic heating such as oil, wood, coal, and wood pellets. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Low income . Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Low income . In addition, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has a specialist team of Energy Advisors who can undertake a range of energy checks which are designed to help with reducing domestic fuel bills. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. This site uses cookies. Households in the Highlands who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from the Highland Council. Council tax rules mean that there are some individuals on a low income who are exempt from council tax and therefore not entitled to council tax reduction. All Rights Reserved. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. This site uses cookies. There has been a tremendous response from across the Highlands for this important fuel support grant, put in place to help mitigate the costs of winter and the growing pressures on family incomes and finances, increasing unemployment and the uncertainty that lies ahead. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Funding is also available from the Scottish Government, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Warm Homes Fund for those looking to implement energy efficiency measures within their home such as adding loft, cavity or External Wall Insulation to reduce heat loss and save on annual energy bills. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Low Households in the Highland who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from The Highland Council. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Thousands of vulnerable people in the north could miss out on cash support to ease the impact of soaring fuel bills after the local authority insisted applications be made online. Households in the Highland who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from The Highland Council. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. The Fund has offered Highland Council 1 million of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. Households in the Highland region, who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from The Highland Council. More than 3,000 people could miss out. It has offered the Highland Council 1 million of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. If you were eligible but did not apply for a direct payment, your Council Tax account will have been credited and a new Council Tax bill issued to confirm.
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