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. 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. 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. 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 -. Low . 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. Low 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.. Learn how your comment data is processed. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Copyright SSE 2023. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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. 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 Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School 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. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing fuel poverty Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. 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). Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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. 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, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School This site uses cookies. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. All Rights Reserved. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. 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. 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. 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. In addition, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has a specialist team of Energy Advisors who can undertake a range of energy checks which are designed to help with reducing domestic fuel bills. The 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.. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their 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. 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. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P Highland Council and SSE Renewables to offer support to those facing nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? Change). 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 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 Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. The Fund has offered Highland Council 1m of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. 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 full council meeting on Friday,. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a range of energy efficiency measures including: While the programme adopts a fabric first approach, the 2022/23 programme has a particular focus on installation of air source heat pumps and also encouraging householders to consider Cavity Wall, Loft Insulation and solar panels and battery storage. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Highland Park, . However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in 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. 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. Highland Park residents react to newest concept for renovation, bike 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. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty 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. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. 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Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. 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. 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. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. 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. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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 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.. 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. Fuel Support Fund | Grantown Grammar School Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Low income . CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. Low income . An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. 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%. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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 good news is that we still have some funding left and we are very eager to make sure this gets to households in need. 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 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. The 270,000. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. 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 announces fuel support fund for low income households Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success 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. 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. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. (LogOut/ 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. 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. (LogOut/ Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL
