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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross 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 Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. More than 3,000 people could miss out. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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. 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. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. 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. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. 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Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel fund 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. 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%. You can also get further advice about Welfare. Highland Families Bolstered by Albyn Fuel Fund The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. (LogOut/ Scots can apply directly to the Home Heating Support Fund - here's how Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook 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. Low income . Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. 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 fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income 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 low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. 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. 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 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 associations Fuel Support Fund. 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. 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. 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.. The Highland Council The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. The 270,000. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. 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. 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. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email 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. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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 will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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. 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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 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 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. 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. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on 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.. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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 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 and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. (LogOut/ 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). Automatically populate forms with your details. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL 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. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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. 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. A link has been emailed to you - check your 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. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. 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. (LogOut/ Fuel Support Payment - 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. 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. 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. 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. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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.. 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. 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 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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. 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.. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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