Change). 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. 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. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. 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). 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 scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. 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. 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 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. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. 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. 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. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. Low income . More than 3,000 people could miss out. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. 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. (LogOut/ Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. 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 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. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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 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.. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. 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. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. 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. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. 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. 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. 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. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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 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. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. This site uses cookies. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Low Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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 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. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. 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. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. 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. 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. 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.. 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. 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 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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. 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. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. All Rights Reserved. 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. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Copyright SSE 2023. 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 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. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. 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. 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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 good news is that we still have some funding left and we are very eager to make sure this gets to households in need. Automatically populate forms with your details. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost.