highland council fuel support fund

highland council fuel support fund

Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. 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. Highland Council has been delivering the Scottish Governments Energy Efficiency Scotland Area Based Scheme for over nine years, which offers households the opportunity to benefit from grant funded innovative, energy efficiency measures, which have the potential to improve peoples living conditions. Change). 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. 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 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 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. Copyright SSE 2023. 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. 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. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. 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.. 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. Highland Park, . SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. (LogOut/ 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. 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. 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. 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. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. 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. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". Low Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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.. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. (LogOut/ 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 . We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. 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. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 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:. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P 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 funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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. The welfare team have now processed over 86% of eligible people and are continuing to support the remaining households to provide the relevant details to enable the funds to be paid. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. All Rights Reserved. Low The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. 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. 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. You can also get further advice about Welfare. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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 Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. 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.. 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. 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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. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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. 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.. 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. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. 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 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. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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. 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 are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. This site uses cookies. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. 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 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. 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. 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 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). 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. 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 low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. 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. 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. 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. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. More than 3,000 people could miss out. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 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 Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. (LogOut/ Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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 link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. All rights reserved. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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. 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 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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 scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. 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. 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.. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. Low income . 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. This site uses cookies. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. Low income . They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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.. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. Automatically populate forms with your details. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Low . Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. 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. | Images submitted. 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. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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.

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