You can also get further advice about Welfare. 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.. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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 Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. More than 3,000 people could miss out. 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. 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. Highland Council - Fuel Support Fund - Cawdor Primary School Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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. (LogOut/ This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. (LogOut/ This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Low Copyright SSE 2023. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Low . 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. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. 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 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. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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 details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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 . Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 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.. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Fuel Support Fund | Milton of Leys Primary School The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School This site uses cookies. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were Under 18, a care leaver, receiving/providing care elsewhere, Severely Mentally ImpairedAND you are in receipt of one of the following qualifying benefits: If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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:. 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.. 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. 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 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. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. 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 grant from Highland Council. Change). The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. This site uses cookies. 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. Highland households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund 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. Over the last nine years the scheme has leveraged around 34 million of external funding to the Highlands to deliver energy efficiency measures to over 3,100 privately owned and privately rented properties throughout the Highlands. If you are an Albyn tenant, and are needing help paying your bills, please do get in touch with us or speak with your housing officer. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our 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. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. 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. 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. 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. Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success 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. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. Fuel support fund to continue as thousands of north households benefit 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. 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. 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 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. A spokesman said: "The Fuel Support Fund was established at the council's discretion using around 1m from the Scottish Government's Winter Support Fund and 2.24m from the council's. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty 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). More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. All rights reserved. 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. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. Scots can apply directly to the Home Heating Support Fund - here's how 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. Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. 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. 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. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . 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. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. All Rights Reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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.. 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. 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. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. 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 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. 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. Highland Park, . 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. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty compared to the national average of 24% and 22% of all households in Highland are facing extreme fuel poverty, which is nearly double the national average, at 12%. 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. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. 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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Highland Council and SSE Renewables to offer support to those facing 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel fund Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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.. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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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