Justin Thomas Weight Loss, Sheb Wooley Net Worth, Western Dental Cancel Contract, Noble Public Schools Lunch Menu, Articles H

Council leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. 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. The fuel support scheme was launched in the latter part of January last year. Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: Feedback from tenants about the Fuel Support Fund has been great so far. Councillor Margaret Davidson, council leader, said: Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, an increasing number of households in Highland are experiencing fuel insecurities. All Rights Reserved. The programme, on average, has annual carbon savings of 20,897 tonnes (pre-COVID figure), making a significant contribution to a low carbon Highland. 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. Find out more in the video here: https://vimeo.com/777370114/eda07cc990, Chair of the Sustainable Development 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. Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. 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. 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. 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. 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. Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities http://ow.ly/30hl30rt90P 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. 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. George Mitchell: Should we have the right to die? 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 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. 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. Sign-up to Scotland's myaccount so you can pay for council services online and report things to us. 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. 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 unanimously agreed to provide almost 3 million to help households in fuel poverty in the Highlands this winter. 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. 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 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. 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. 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. The Highland Council letter, sent to over 16,000 eligible constituents, stated: To receive your 180 payment, you must complete our online form.. Mr Stone quizzed local authority officials after a constituent without access to a computer or smartphone had to ask a neighbour for assistance. Low income . Aberdeen Journals Ltd 2023. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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. Highland Council is set to receive an allocation from this fund in order to mitigate the fuel challenges faced by residents in the region. 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. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. 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. (LogOut/ They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailwelfare.support@highland.gov.uk. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. Figures also estimate that 22% of Highland households are facing extreme fuel poverty. 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. 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. We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. 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. Our welfare staff have been working tirelessly to do their absolute best for our communities and will continue to do so.. Scottish Housing News is your daily service for the latest news, jobs and events, delivered directly to your email inbox. Highland Council said it did not comment on individual cases. 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. 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. As this is a cash-limited fund, the Scheme will close on February 28. 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. A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox. Crisis Grants for fuel support are already available via the Scottish Welfare Fund for those in crisis. 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. Low Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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 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. 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. An outline of 1.4 miles of Green Bay Road in Highland Park that is set for an overhaul beginning in 2024 or 2025. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies -. Highland Park, . 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. Applications for a directFuel Support Payment are now closed. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.. 2023- Highland News and Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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. 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.. CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664. 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. 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. Click here to sign up to our curated newsletters. 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. Cllr Davidson said: Working from home has increased the financial pressures for many of our households. Scottish households can now apply directly to a 4 million Scottish Government fund to help them with soaring energy bills. The funding comes from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who are administering the 2 million fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility. 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. 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. 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. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need.. 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 SSE Renewable fund is part of the organisations commitment to the Scottish Governments Good Practice Principals for Community Benefits from Onshore Wind. 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. Full details including online application https://www.highland.gov.uk . 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.