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Help is at hand for people struggling with fuel poverty


By David G Scott

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As winter begins to bite, Highland Council urges Caithness residents not to suffer in silence if they are finding it hard to pay their fuel bills.

There are many reasons why people can’t pay their fuel bills – which is often referred to as "fuel poverty".

Highland Council urges Caithness residents not to suffer in silence if they are finding it hard to pay their fuel bills.
Highland Council urges Caithness residents not to suffer in silence if they are finding it hard to pay their fuel bills.

Depending upon household circumstances, you may qualify for extra financial support during the winter. These include:

  • UK Government’s Winter Fuel Payment: this is a one-off, tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 made during the winter to help with heating costs; it is made to households with someone over Pension Credit age. Most payments are made automatically during November and December. If someone applies for the first time, they will receive their payment by Christmas. The amount a household will receive each winter can vary according to their personal circumstances. For example, age or other people living in the house who are also eligible can increase the eligible amount.
  • UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment: a £25 payment to help with fuel costs during periods of very cold weather. The period of cold weather must cover seven consecutive days, between November 1 and March 31, when the average temperature must be zero degrees Celsius or below. The £25 can be paid multiple times if the seven consecutive day criteria are met.
  • The Warm Home Discount scheme: this scheme offers a one-off payment of £140 (inclusive of VAT) towards the energy bills of those who need it most. The scheme is managed by energy suppliers and the money isn’t paid directly to the customer; it is a one-off discount that is credited to the customer’s energy account, prepayment card or key, during the winter.
  • Scottish Government’s Child Winter Heating Assistance: this is a new £200 payment to help families of a child on the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for Children to heat their homes.

Getting in touch with the council’s welfare team is the first step to maximising your potential income and managing your money well. The welfare support team provide free, impartial and confidential support to claim all benefits and entitlements. Alternatively, you can also get help and advice on benefit and money advice issues from your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau (Cab).

Depute leader of Highland Council, Councillor Alasdair Christie, explained: “It’s important that people make sure they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. The council’s welfare support team is ready to support you on freephone 0800 090 1004 and Cab can also give free advice for anyone having problems paying their fuel bills."

Increasing the energy efficiency of your home will reduce fuel bills. There are several energy efficiency schemes which offer grants to eligible households.

Home Energy Scotland offer free, impartial advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home and renewable energy.

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