Highland Park, . Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter 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 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 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 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. 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.. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. 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. 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. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing fuel poverty Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. 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. Scots can apply directly to the Home Heating Support Fund - here's how Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. The 270,000. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. People on low incomes who are experiencing fuel insecurities can apply online atwww.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund for a 60 non-repayable cash payment per application which is made to eligible applicants. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The Sustainable Development Fund supports strategic projects across the Highland local authority area and allows SSE to direct support to projects that can achieve significant impact in local communities. Highland Council to consider support for households living in fuel SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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.. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand 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. Low Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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 SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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 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. 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. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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. Highland Council - Fuel Support Fund - Cawdor Primary School Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. 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.. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. 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.. 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. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. You can also get further advice about Welfare. All Rights Reserved. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Low Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. 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. 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P People on low incomes who are experiencing fuel insecurities can apply online here for a 60 non-repayable cash payment per application which is made to eligible applicants. 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.. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. The Highland Council 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. Using COVID-19 funding from the Scottish Government, this non-repayable grant provides a 60 payment per household for those who have been awarded council tax reduction and are having difficulties paying their fuel bills. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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. (LogOut/ Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. 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 grant from Highland Council. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . 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. 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. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their 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. 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. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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 association's Fuel Support 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. 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. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. | Images submitted. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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. 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. 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. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. 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. 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. 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 Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School The good news is that we still have some funding left and we are very eager to make sure this gets to households in need. Fuel Support Fund 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:. This site uses cookies. Learn how your comment data is processed. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Automatically populate forms with your details. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook Wherever possible this significant fund, totalling 3.24m, is quickly putting money into peoples pockets without them having to take any action at all, and the majority of eligible households are due to receive their payments next week. At a full council meeting on Friday,. More than 3,000 people could miss out. You can also get further advice about Welfare Benefits by calling our Welfare Support Team on 0800 090 1004 or emailing them at welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel fund Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Robbie Deas: Caley Thistle boss Billy Dodds 'one of the best' managers I've had, Yvie Burnett gets cosy in Scandinavia and does a voiceover in Cologne, SHINTY SPOTLIGHT: 10 questions for Kingussie full-back/wing-back Eoin Baikie, Brenda Page murder accused denies he is Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde character, Concerns over future of Aberdeenshire maternity on day 6m boost handed to Moray, Big Interview: Iona Fyfe talks about Doric, being trolled on Twitter and returning to her musical roots, Gallery: Your photos from World Book Day 2023, Scottish minister Lorna Slater warns companies to sign up for 'carnage' recycling scheme deadline, Nicola Sturgeons government has failed north and north-east, admits SNP leadership hopeful Ash Regan, Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre and Bucksburn Swimming Pool to CLOSE after 700,000 cut, Aberdeen budget exclusive: City centre business rates exemption zone plans revealed, Deposit return scheme: 'It's not going to be perfect on day one', but we're sticking to August launch says boss, Aberdeen budget: Libraries to close, school meal costs to increase and council tax to rise in 'deplorable' savings drive, One of the giants: CNR to shut down Ninian oilfield in 'challenging' market, Highlands SNP veteran Fergus Ewing backs Kate Forbes in leadership race, Aberdeen budget: Crime writer Stuart MacBride says closing six libraries 'impoverishes chunks of city', Terms and Conditions for Subscriptions (excluding Home News Delivery Subscriptions), Evening Express and Press and Journal combined site. 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 welfare team have now processed over 86% of eligible people and are continuing to support the remaining households to provide the relevant details to enable the funds to be paid. This site uses cookies. Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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.