Councillor Davidson added: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. The low energy cooking solutions have been really popular, helping households to have a hot meal at a lower cost. 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. 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. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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%. Enquire throughwww.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotlandfor more information. 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 is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. 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. 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. 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. 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. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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:. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. 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. 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. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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.. 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. 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 and SSE Renewables are joining forces to help Highland households facing extreme fuel poverty make energy saving adaptations to their homes. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism. 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. This included air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and energy efficient kettles. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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 Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. 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. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. The SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. 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. 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. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Low income . 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. You can also get further advice about Welfare. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. However, a portion of the fund is helping those who are most in need, regardless of their housing situation. 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. 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 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. 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. 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.. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. 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 residents this winter. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. 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. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Learn how your comment data is processed. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. 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. 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. 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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. 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. 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. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. Warm Home Discounts equivalent to 140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. 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. 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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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. Tenants can access this fund by emailing energyfund@albynhousing.org.uk or by speaking to their housing officer. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. 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 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. Highland Council has been delivering the Scottish Governments Energy Efficiency Scotland Area Based Scheme for over nine years, which offers households the opportunity to benefit from grant funded innovative, energy efficiency measures, which have the potential to improve peoples living conditions. 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. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. 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. 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. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. 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. To help tenants reduce their overall energy usage, almost 90 energy saving cooking appliances have been distributed. 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. 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