ASK AN EXPERT
QI AM really struggling to afford to heat and light my property after losing my job due to the coronavirus pandemic. I have also run up debt with my supplier. What can I do?
AThere are many people experiencing financial hardship because of a reduction in hours or loss of employment due to the public health crisis.
You are not alone in your situation and there is support available for people struggling with finances.
If you are having to ration energy by cutting back on heating or electricity to afford other essentials, you may be eligible for the Home Heating Support Fund.
This is a Scottish Government Scheme administered by Advice Direct Scotland that provides support to vulnerable individuals and those in need.
This includes assisting Scottish citizens identified as “self-rationing” energy, and those in debt to their energy supplier.
Also included is off-grid energy supplies such as oil, gas, LPG, coal, and district heating.
The fund offers support to Scottish consumers who are in debt which has accrued due to Covid-19, or where its impact has led to existing debt repayments becoming unmanageable.
A payment may also be made for any household which is from a remote, rural, or island community (including remote, rural small towns), to reflect the higher energy costs these communities often face.
If you have already sought approved energy advice and/or debt advice from your local authority, or another organisation, you can make them aware of the fund and request that they refer you to the fund.
More information can be found by visiting homeheatingadvice.scot.
Alternatively, if you are not currently receiving energy and/or approved debt advice, you can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060 and speak with one of our specialist debt advisers for more information.
They can provide advice on avenues of support that may be available to you.
Have a note of your income and expenditure when you get in contact.
QI WORK in hospitality and I am struggling to understand why the Job Retention Scheme is being extended when there are plans to open businesses from summertime. Can you clear this up?
AThe planned summer opening of businesses is not definite and is subject to change dependent on the ongoing situation.
The UK and Scottish Governments are required to make decisions based on current circumstances, and different restrictions are subject to change.
Additionally, there may be operational restrictions, meaning that businesses cannot operate at full capacity as they did before.
The Chancellor has also announced plans to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) until the end of September.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no definitive answer to when, or if, businesses will return to the way they were before.
By extending the scheme, the Government hopes to ensure there are adequate provisions in place for businesses and employees.
More information is available by visiting coronavirusadvice.scot