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. 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. 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. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. 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. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. 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. Low income . 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. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. 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's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty 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.. 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. Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty 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. 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a . If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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 programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. 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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.. Fuel Support Fund for low income households in Caithness Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel fund 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 association's Fuel Support Fund. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Low 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. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Highland Park, . 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. All rights reserved. (LogOut/ The Highland Council Automatically populate forms with your details. More than 3,000 people could miss out. 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 - Nairn Academy Highland Families Bolstered by Albyn Fuel Fund Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. Fuel Support Fund 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:. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. Highland households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund 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. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross 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. 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. Scots can apply directly to the Home Heating Support Fund - here's how 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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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 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. 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.. 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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.. 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CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. 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 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 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. 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. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Highland Council announces fuel support fund for low income households 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. 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.
