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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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. All rights reserved. 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 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. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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.. Low 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. 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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.. 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. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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 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. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. Highland Park, . Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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 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. 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 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 SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. 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. 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. 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. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. This site uses cookies. Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel 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. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. Fuel Support Payment - The Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Grantown Grammar School Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@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 funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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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. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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. 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. 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.. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. The Highland Council We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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. 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 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.. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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.. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. More than 3,000 people could miss out. 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. 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 council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. | Images submitted. 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. You can also get further advice about Welfare. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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 Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Low 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. Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - 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.
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