Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Copyright SSE 2023. 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's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Automatically populate forms with your details. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. This site uses cookies. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty, www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland. 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. 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. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. 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). 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 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. Low . 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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 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 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. You can also get further advice about Welfare. Highland Council and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. 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.. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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.. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. Support has been prioritised for those living in homes with the lowest energy rating. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. 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. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. Change). About Us 275 Years of The Press and Journal, End of an era as new purpose approved for former Buccaneer jet site at, Yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued for north and north-east, Friends locked up over rampage of violence in pubs that left five people injured, North Sea helicopter emergency lands at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, More than 100 Inverness passengers stuck in London after British Airways flight cancelled, Drink-driving Highland minister crashed car and kept going despite only having three tyres, Controversial 3-bin change rolling out in Aberdeenshire from April, 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, Defender Mattie Pollock aims to use Aberdeen loan spell to prove he can shine, Winger Vicente Besuijen back at Aberdeen for injury assessment, '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. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. 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. 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. 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:. 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. 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. 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.. Over the last nine years the scheme has leveraged around 34 million of external funding to the Highlands to deliver energy efficiency measures to over 3,100 privately owned and privately rented properties throughout the Highlands. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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. 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. More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. The significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. 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 Liberal Democrat MP said: It is entirely wrong that the council is telling people that they must apply online to access the Fuel Support Payment, despite operating a phone support line for the expressed purpose of helping people claim their benefits. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 scheme will also remain open for new applications to ensure that this support can still be accessed.. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. 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. (LogOut/ 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 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. More than 4,500 north households benefited in the first three weeks of the scheme, launched at the end of January. 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 funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. 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. Low 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. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 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.