highland council fuel support fund

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. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. Low . 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. 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. 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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. 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. This site uses cookies. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . 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. 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. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. 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At a full council meeting on Friday,. 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%. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. All Rights Reserved. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel 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. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. 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 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. (LogOut/ Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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.. 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. 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.. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. 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. 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. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. 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 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. 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. 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. 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 . 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. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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. 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. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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. 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. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Highland Park, . 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. 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.. All rights reserved. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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:. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. 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. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. 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. 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. 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. Change). 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.. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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 funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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.. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. 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. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. 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 The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. All Rights Reserved. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. 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.

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