Council agrees support for households living in fuel poverty

Proposals to provide almost £3m to help households in fuel poverty in Highland this winter have been approved by members at the meeting of full Council on 10 December.

A payment of £180 will be made to around 16,440 eligible Highland households where residents were in receipt of means-tested council tax reduction on 30 November 2021. The Service Delivery Team will identify those who are eligible and will write to them with the relevant details. Payments will be made during March 2022.

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 significant recent increases in fuel prices will place even greater pressures on an increased number of Highland residents. 

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.  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.

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. 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. I would encourage anyone affected by the stark choices of heating or eating, to seek help and support for a number of providers.”

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.  Getting in touch with the Welfare Support Team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well.  They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mail welfare.support@highland.gov.uk.

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.  CAB Energy Advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664.

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.  Enquire through http://www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland for more information.

Warm Home Discounts equivalent to £140 per annum off household energy bills are available from some energy suppliers for those on low income. Households are advised to contact their energy supplier to check eligibility.