CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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 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. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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. The Council is encouraging households to apply for its Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) as part of plans to ease fuel poverty in the region. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. 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.. 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. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. 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. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Low income . More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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 low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. 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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret 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. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. 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. 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/fuelsupportfund, The councils Welfare Support Team provide free, impartial and confidential support to claim all entitlements including the 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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. 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. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. 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. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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 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. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. 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.. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. 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. 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. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy 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. 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. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email 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. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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.. 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. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. The new Household Support Fund will support millions of households in England and will be distributed by councils in England, who know their local areas best and can directly help those who. 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. 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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. 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. 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 . 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 . 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.. 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. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. 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. 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. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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. 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 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. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. All Rights Reserved. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. All rights reserved. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. 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. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. This site uses cookies. 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. 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At a full council meeting on Friday,. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Highland Park, . 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 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 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cllr Bremner also highlighted that the scheme is open to all owner occupier and privately rented properties who meet eligibility criteria and encouraged members of the public to make inquiries about the scheme. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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 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 to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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. 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. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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. 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. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. 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. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and 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. 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. 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.. 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.
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