George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. Fuel support fund - Nairn Academy 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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.. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. 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. 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 to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. At a full council meeting on Friday,. 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. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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.. (LogOut/ You can also get further advice about Welfare. 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. 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. Automatically populate forms with your details. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. Highland Council announces fuel support fund for low income households We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. 3 million approved by Highland Council to help those in fuel poverty 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. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. This site uses cookies. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and fuel bills. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. Full details including online application https://www.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. This site uses cookies. Low income . Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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.. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Highland Council - Fuel Support Fund - Cawdor Primary School SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. Low income . All Rights Reserved. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. The 270,000. 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 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 The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. Mr Stone said that three days before the councils deadline of February 13, just 81% of eligible people had applied for the funding. 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. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P 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. More than 3,000 people could miss out. 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. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, 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. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing 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.. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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 . Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. 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 significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. Low . Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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. 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. 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. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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 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. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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 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.. 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. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". This is where the SSE Renewables Grant can help those experiencing extreme fuel poverty. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. 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. 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 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. Highland Council and SSE Renewables to offer support to those facing This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. 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. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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 link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. 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. Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income 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 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. 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. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. 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. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter If you require further help or advice regarding the 180 fuel support payment, please contact us by email fuelsupportpayment@highland.gov.uk. Proposals to provide almost 3m to help households in fuel poverty in Highland this winter will be considered by members at the meeting of full Council on 9 December. 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 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. 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. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Highland Council to consider support for households living in fuel (LogOut/ Fuel support fund to continue as thousands of north households benefit I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers..