Low 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. (LogOut/ 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com 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. If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. The Council is encouraging households to apply for its Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) as part of plans to ease fuel poverty in the region. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. All Rights Reserved. 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. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. The scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. 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. Low income . 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. 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. 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. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. 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. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. | Images submitted. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. 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. 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. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. 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 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.. Copyright SSE 2023. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Highland Park, . The 270,000. 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. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. This site uses 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. 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.. 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. 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.. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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). A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. 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. 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. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. All Rights Reserved. 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Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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 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.. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. (LogOut/ 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. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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%. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 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. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. 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. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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.