A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing fuel poverty 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. Low . 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. 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. This discretionary fuel support scheme is still open and plans remain in place to ensure households who have not yet responded, will not lose out, he said. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. 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 270,000. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Highland Park residents react to newest concept for renovation, bike 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 February 28. 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. 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 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.. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. This site uses cookies. Fuel Support Fund | Milton of Leys Primary School 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 scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Obsdale Primary School 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. All Rights Reserved. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those (LogOut/ The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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 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 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. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. 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. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council 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. 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. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. More than 85,000 worth of vouchers and equipment have been distributed to families across the area, helping their tenants to reduce their Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy 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. 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 EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . Low 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 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 funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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). Change). Low income . Fuel Support Fund - Highland Third Sector Interface | Facebook The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter 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.