Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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 is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. 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. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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. Fuel support fund to continue as thousands of north households benefit 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. 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 . 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.. Scots can apply directly to the Home Heating Support Fund - here's how Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School Highland Council and SSE Renewables to offer support to those facing Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 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. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. 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. 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. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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.. 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. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Low . Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. (LogOut/ 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 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 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. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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 funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. The funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. Fuel Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL Highland households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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Cllr Davidson said: 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. This site uses cookies. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel 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. Low income . 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over 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. 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. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. 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. 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.. 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. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson added Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland - The Highland Council Fuel Support Fund for low income - The Highland Council | Facebook This site uses cookies. 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. 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. 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All rights reserved. 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 Highland Council 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. 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 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. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. Copyright SSE 2023. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. Low 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 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/ Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those Automatically populate forms with your details. Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. The 270,000. Highland Families Bolstered by Albyn Fuel Fund 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. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. 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 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.. 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. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for 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. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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 are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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.
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