highland council fuel support fund

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon 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. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. The 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Highland Council and SSE Renewables team up to offer support to those facing extreme fuel poverty02 Dec 2022. 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. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. 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. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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. 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. 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. 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 . Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. Robbie Deas: Caley Thistle boss Billy Dodds 'one of the best' managers I've had, Yvie Burnett gets cosy in Scandinavia and does a voiceover in Cologne, SHINTY SPOTLIGHT: 10 questions for Kingussie full-back/wing-back Eoin Baikie, Brenda Page murder accused denies he is Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde character, Meet Pip, the spaniel with a key role in restoring Inverness Castle, Concerns over future of Aberdeenshire maternity on day 6m boost handed to Moray, Big Interview: Iona Fyfe talks about Doric, being trolled on Twitter and returning to her musical roots, Gallery: Your photos from World Book Day 2023, Scottish minister Lorna Slater warns companies to sign up for 'carnage' recycling scheme deadline, Nicola Sturgeons government has failed north and north-east, admits SNP leadership hopeful Ash Regan, Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre and Bucksburn Swimming Pool to CLOSE after 700,000 cut, Aberdeen budget exclusive: City centre business rates exemption zone plans revealed, Deposit return scheme: 'It's not going to be perfect on day one', but we're sticking to August launch says boss, Aberdeen budget: Libraries to close, school meal costs to increase and council tax to rise in 'deplorable' savings drive, One of the giants: CNR to shut down Ninian oilfield in 'challenging' market, Highlands SNP veteran Fergus Ewing backs Kate Forbes in leadership race, Aberdeen budget: Crime writer Stuart MacBride says closing six libraries 'impoverishes chunks of city', Terms and Conditions for Subscriptions (excluding Home News Delivery Subscriptions), Evening Express and Press and Journal combined site. 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. 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. 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. 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. At the end of October, the Scottish Government announced a 41 million Winter Support Fund for low-income families which includes 10m nationally to help those struggling to pay their fuel bills. 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. 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. If you were eligible but did not apply for a direct payment, your Council Tax account will have been credited and a new Council Tax bill issued to confirm. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. Low . 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. At a full council meeting on Friday,. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. This site uses cookies. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund, The councils Welfare Support Team provide free, impartial and confidential support to claim all entitlements including the Fuel Support Fund. 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. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. This site uses cookies. 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. 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . (LogOut/ 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. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Premium content exclusive to our subscribers, About Us 275 Years of The Press and Journal, North mans nature walks helping scores of people find their feet, The fast times and short life of Glen Cottage Hostel in Torridon, Aberdeen City Council rates relief move could cause forced demolition of historic Union Street buildings, Plans to bring Mull village back to life move a step closer as eco pods arrive at new campsite, Brilliance in Bavaria when Aberdeen silenced Bayern Munich on road to Gothenburg, Controversial 3-bin change rolling out in Aberdeenshire from April, Aberdeen budget: Libraries to close, school meal costs to increase and council tax to rise in deplorable savings drive, From Scotland to Denmark: Aberdeenshire schoolgirls message in a bottle travels 440 miles, Review: Murder mystery The Mirror Crackd thrills Aberdeen fans, Aberdeen doctors life changed after cancer diagnosis and she now makes the most of every day, Inverness Kidical Mass: Cycling campaigners' world championship hopes, Loganair suspends Inverness flights to the islands due to industrial action, Climate change measures took cliff edge cuts in council budgets, warn Greens, Drink-driving Highland minister crashed car and kept going - despite only having three tyres, Meet Pip, the spaniel with a key role in restoring Inverness Castle, More than 100 Inverness passengers stuck in London after British Airways flight cancelled, Charity hopes to return beavers to Highland glen 400 years after they were driven, Kate Forbes pledges to get A9 dualled as quickly as possible if she becomes, Yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued for north and north-east, End of an era as new purpose approved for former Buccaneer jet site at, Friends locked up over rampage of violence in pubs that left five people injured, North Sea helicopter emergency lands at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Drink-driving Highland minister crashed car and kept going despite only having three tyres, Aberdeenshire village loses only Post Office as MP labels decision hammer blow, Unpaid work for man who had 199 indecent images of children, Stolen chips and insults as The Captains Table puts Fraserburgh spin on Karen Night, Nature Watch: Beavers, burrs, buzzards and blackbirds on River Earn walk, Winger Vicente Besuijen back at Aberdeen for injury assessment, Defender Mattie Pollock aims to use Aberdeen loan spell to prove he can shine, 'But he calls himself Asian': Racist tries to defend 'go back to your own, Rachel Corsie: Concerning time for women's international football ahead of the World Cup, Dragons' Den breathes fire into matcha drink - but what is it and who's. People on low incomes who are experiencing fuel insecurities can apply online atwww.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund for a 60 non-repayable cash payment per application which is made to eligible applicants. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. 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. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Signing-up gives you the following: Single sign on for all council services (not including eplanning) Save forms for completion later. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. 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. 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. Using Covid-19 funding from the Scottish Government the council can make a 60 grant per household to help those who have been awarded council tax reduction and are having difficulties paying their fuel bills. 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. 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 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 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. 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. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. This comes in addition to other support mechanisms, such as the 400 discount to energy bills from the UK Government over the winter months. 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. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. 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. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Leader of Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson, said:In the light of the clear concerns about extreme fuel poverty in Highland communities, it is imperative that we take immediate action to relieve some of the worst impacts this winter. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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 funding has a discretionary element, enabling the council to make grants in some other circumstances. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. 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. 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 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. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Copyright SSE 2023. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households.

John Hollingsworth Obituary, Queen Elizabeth Coronation Dress Size, Is Kristine Sorensen Leaving Kdka, Is Lindsay Wagner Related To Robert Wagner, What Animal Symbolizes Loneliness, Articles H