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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Low income . Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (LogOut/ George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. 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.. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. 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 Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Automatically populate forms with your details. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Low income . 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. Robbie Deas: Caley Thistle boss Billy Dodds 'one of the best' managers I've had, Yvie Burnett gets cosy in Scandinavia and does a voiceover in Cologne, SHINTY SPOTLIGHT: 10 questions for Kingussie full-back/wing-back Eoin Baikie, Brenda Page murder accused denies he is Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde character, Concerns over future of Aberdeenshire maternity on day 6m boost handed to Moray, Big Interview: Iona Fyfe talks about Doric, being trolled on Twitter and returning to her musical roots, Gallery: Your photos from World Book Day 2023, Scottish minister Lorna Slater warns companies to sign up for 'carnage' recycling scheme deadline, Nicola Sturgeons government has failed north and north-east, admits SNP leadership hopeful Ash Regan, Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre and Bucksburn Swimming Pool to CLOSE after 700,000 cut, Aberdeen budget exclusive: City centre business rates exemption zone plans revealed, Deposit return scheme: 'It's not going to be perfect on day one', but we're sticking to August launch says boss, Aberdeen budget: Libraries to close, school meal costs to increase and council tax to rise in 'deplorable' savings drive, One of the giants: CNR to shut down Ninian oilfield in 'challenging' market, Highlands SNP veteran Fergus Ewing backs Kate Forbes in leadership race, Aberdeen budget: Crime writer Stuart MacBride says closing six libraries 'impoverishes chunks of city', Terms and Conditions for Subscriptions (excluding Home News Delivery Subscriptions), Evening Express and Press and Journal combined site. This site uses cookies. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. 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. 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. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. (LogOut/ 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.. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. 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. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. 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 is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. All Rights Reserved. This site uses cookies. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. 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 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.. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. Change). George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. Low 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. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. 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. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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 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. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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. 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. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. 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. 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 funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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%. 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. (LogOut/ Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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.