Highland Families Bolstered by Albyn Fuel Fund As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on 28 February 2021. Council to consider support for households living in fuel poverty 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. 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. 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. He added: One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. Homes at Craig Road in Dingwall managed by Albyn Housing Society. 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. 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. Low income . 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 Support Fund - CROWN PRIMARY SCHOOL Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Government launches 500m support for vulnerable households over winter The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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. 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. Proposals to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter will be considered by councillors on Thursday. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Mr Reiss said: The energy expertise within Citizens Advice means that help available for individual households is identified and accessed. 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. Copyright SSE 2023. Fuel Support Fund | Duncan Forbes Primary School Low income households within Highland experiencing fuel insecurities can apply for a non-repayable 60 grant. Scottish Government figures indicate 33% of households in Highland are experiencing fuel poverty, compared to the national average of 24%. Highland Council has unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. Thousands could lose out on cash over Highland Council digital demand 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 Highland Council SSE re-invest part of the profits from wind farms back into local communities. Enquire through our Energy Efficient Scotland pagefor more information. 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 1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the 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. 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. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Draught proofing kits, carpets, and thermal curtains and door fittings have been provided to help keep homes warm. Highland families bolstered by Albyn fuel fund 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. 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. This includes energy switching, reducing fuel bills and obtaining grants to improve the fuel efficiency of individual homes.. 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. 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. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. Highland Council's fuel and food support heralded a success (LogOut/ Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It is clear to us that this fund is making a real difference. 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. Highland Park, . 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. It was therefore not feasible to include their number on the letters., Despite the letters stating residents must make their claim online, the council added: Customers who prefer to make contact by telephone can use one of our many telephone numbers that are well established and freely available.. 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. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Fuel Support Payment - The Highland Council Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel 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.. 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 council's discretion using around 1m from the Scottish Government's Winter Support Fund and 2.24m from the council's. 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:. Highland Council to offer Fuel Support Fund grants for low income Ross 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. Councillor Matthew Reiss, vice chairman of the councils corporate resources committee, said 5,400 applications had been received in total. More than 900 households have also taken up the option of a home energy health check from their local Citizens Advice. 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.. 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 Support Fund for low income households in Caithness Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. Fuel support fund to continue as thousands of north households benefit 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. The council will automatically make the March payments, increasing the total grant payment to 120. 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 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. Highland Council's fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. The 270,000. 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. 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. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is having a devastating impact on households across Highland. To enable payments to be made to all those eligible, it has been necessary to collect details from some households. 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. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. In some cases, the energy bill vouchers have been allowing families to pay off their debts. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. Call free on 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. 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. 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. Due to rising costs in energy prices, it is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. 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. Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community. 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 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. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood, https://www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.". Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel 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. 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. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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. 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. With inflation threatening to spiral out of control and 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. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as extreme fuel poor. Could you spare five minutes of your time to complete our survey, it will help us improve customer experience. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. Highland Council to consider support for households living in fuel (LogOut/ More than 200 warm winter duvets have also been distributed. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. As part of the scheme, more than 300 households have been provided with 230 or more towards their energy bills. 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. Highland Council Fuel Support Fund | Farr Primary School A third of households in Highland Council area experiencing fuel poverty 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. With just two days until the deadline, only 81% of eligible householders have claimed the payment. At a time when bills are skyrocketing, we cannot delay getting this money into the hands of those who need it most.. 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. For details on how to sign up for the programme visit Highland Councils dedicated webpage. 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. But the answer cannot be to make it harder for people to claim the support they are entitled to.. 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. Low income . We had contact with one mum who had been very distressed about the cost of energy and providing for her children. Highland Council announces fuel support fund for low income households On 26 January 2022, you had a personal exemption from Council Tax on the grounds that you were a student. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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 Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P Highland Councils fuel support fund is to be extended until March, councillors have agreed. 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. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. 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%. Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. Highland households in extreme fuel poverty to benefit from new fund 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.