highland council 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. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. Highland Council to pay 180 towards heating bills this winter 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.. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. 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. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. The 270,000 Fuel Support Fund has been set up by the Council using Scottish Government funding which can be used flexibly to alleviate financial insecurities. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their 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. 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. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. 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%. 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. All Rights Reserved. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing fuel poverty Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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. 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 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. Proposals to provide almost 3m to help households in fuel poverty in Highland this winter will be considered by members at the meeting of full Council on 9 December. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook 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. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. 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. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. 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.. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Households 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 households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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 to continue as thousands of north households benefit | Images submitted. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". 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. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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 associations Fuel Support Fund. Highland Park residents react to newest concept for renovation, bike Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund | Grantown Grammar School Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. Low income . 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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. 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. 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 is proposing to use an allocation from this fund together with 2m from reserves in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by Highland . Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. 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 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. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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. 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 and SSE Renewables to offer support to those facing Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025.