highland council fuel support fundhighland council 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. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. All Rights Reserved. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. 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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Copyright SSE 2023. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. The 270,000. 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. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Highland Council has therefore decided to use part of the Governments funding to set up a fuel support fund for those who are having difficulties paying for fuel for their homes.. 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. More than 3,000 people could miss out. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. 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. 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 funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". Low income . Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. 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. 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. 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. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this 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 scheme has this week received vital grant support from SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund, which will provide additional funds to reduce or remove entirely householder contributions for those in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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.. 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. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. (LogOut/ 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. 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 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. 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. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. 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. 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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. 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 (FSF) has been set up by the council using Scottish Government money which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. Change). 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. 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. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel 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 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. 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. 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. | Images submitted. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 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 funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. This site uses cookies. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. (LogOut/ Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. He added that in response to the unprecedented demand from Highland residents in need of financial and other support, the council has increased welfare staff numbers and set up a dedicated fuel support telephone number, enabling households to call 01349 781990 to provide their details. 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 are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Low income . Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. 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. 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. At a full council meeting on Friday,. 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. 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. (LogOut/ We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Highland Park, . All applicants will be offered a referral to Citizens Advice (CAB) for energy checks and expertise available from CAB as this may help to reduce domestic fuel bills. All Rights Reserved. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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.. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their 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. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Low For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. Automatically populate forms with your details. 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.. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Council 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 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 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. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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.. 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.. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. 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%. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. 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's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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 SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email [email protected]. 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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.

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