We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. 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. 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. Albyn Housing Society have been using the contact with tenants to highlight other sources of support too, including those provided by the Highland Council and their local Citizens Advice Bureau. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their 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. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. 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. 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. Low income . 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. Without EES:ABS there is currently no other long-term support to households in fuel poverty and those vulnerable to living with the effects of a cold home. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. The 270,000. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. More than 3,000 people could miss out. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. Change). Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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.. 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 funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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.. (LogOut/ 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. Low . Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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. At a full council meeting on Friday,. Fuel poverty campaigners call for more ambitious targets, Fuel poverty among Scottish households drops by 4%, Fuel poverty initiatives named amongst engineering projects of the future, Fuel poverty strategy must go further to give assurance that Scotland will meet fuel poverty targets. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. People on low incomes who are experiencing fuel insecurities can apply online for a 60 non-repayable cash payment per application which is made to eligible applicants. You have received a letter from the Highland Council to advise of your possible entitlement AND on 30 November 2021, you were in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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). 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. 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. 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 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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 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.. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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.. Members of the Highland Council agreed support totalling almost 3 million to help people currently living in fuel poverty due to the rise in prices. 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. 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. 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. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. You can also get further advice about Welfare. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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 residents this winter. I am proud of our teams at Albyn who have made sure that families across the Highlands have been getting the support they need this winter. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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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. All Rights Reserved. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Highland Park, . Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Low 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. (LogOut/ 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per household to help those who have been awarded council tax reduction and are having difficulties paying their fuel bills. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. In the longer term, this dire situation clearly demonstrates the pressing need for a UK wide, strategic review of our energy supply, market and infrastructure., Depute Leader Alasdair Christie added: Living with fuel poverty has far reaching impacts, particularly on health and wellbeing, as well as learning, employment and social networks. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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. All Rights Reserved. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. As well as providing a 245 voucher for her energy bills, we were also able to supply an air fryer, a more energy efficient kettle and winter duvets for her young family. A spokesman said: The Fuel Support Fund was established at the councils discretion using around 1m from the Scottish Governments Winter Support Fund and 2.24m from the councils reserves, to help mitigate the impacts of significant energy price and cost of living increases for hard pressed Highland residents. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. It was therefore not feasible to include their number on the letters., Despite the letters stating residents must make their claim online, the council added: Customers who prefer to make contact by telephone can use one of our many telephone numbers that are well established and freely available.. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Fuel poverty campaigners call for more ambitious targets, Fuel poverty among Scottish households drops by 4%, Fuel poverty initiatives named amongst engineering projects of the future, Fuel poverty strategy must go further to give assurance that Scotland will meet fuel poverty targets. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. 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. Low 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. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. 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.
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