Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. 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. 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 programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. About Us 275 Years of The Press and Journal, End of an era as new purpose approved for former Buccaneer jet site at, Yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued for north and north-east, Friends locked up over rampage of violence in pubs that left five people injured, North Sea helicopter emergency lands at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, More than 100 Inverness passengers stuck in London after British Airways flight cancelled, Drink-driving Highland minister crashed car and kept going despite only having three tyres, Controversial 3-bin change rolling out in Aberdeenshire from April, Aberdeenshire village loses only Post Office as MP labels decision hammer blow, Unpaid work for man who had 199 indecent images of children, Stolen chips and insults as The Captains Table puts Fraserburgh spin on Karen Night, Nature Watch: Beavers, burrs, buzzards and blackbirds on River Earn walk, Defender Mattie Pollock aims to use Aberdeen loan spell to prove he can shine, Winger Vicente Besuijen back at Aberdeen for injury assessment, 'But he calls himself Asian': Racist tries to defend 'go back to your own, Rachel Corsie: Concerning time for women's international football ahead of the World Cup, Dragons' Den breathes fire into matcha drink - but what is it and who's. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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 grant from 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. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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. 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. 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's fuel and food support heralded a success (LogOut/ Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Fuel Support Payment - 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. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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. 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. 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 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. 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. 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 low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. 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. Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. Highland Council to consider support for households living in fuel An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Low income . Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 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 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. 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. Council leader Councillor 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 - The Highland Council | Facebook Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. Fuel Support Fund | Milton of Leys Primary School 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.. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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. (LogOut/ 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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. 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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 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. Highland Park, . 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. 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 this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. The Highland Council This site uses cookies. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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 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. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.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. Highland Council announces fuel support fund for low income households 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. 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. 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. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. Highland Council - Fuel Support Fund - Cawdor Primary School 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 and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. Change). Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Highland Council to pay 180 towards heating bills this winter 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. 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.. Fuel Support Fund - Highland Third Sector Interface | Facebook 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. 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, Meet Pip, the spaniel with a key role in restoring Inverness Castle, 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. | Images submitted. 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Fuel Support Fund for low income households in Caithness 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Learn how your comment data is processed. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. Fuel Support Fund | Grantown Grammar School The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those Copyright SSE 2023. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. 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%. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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.. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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.