People facing fuel poverty encouraged to seek help

Households in Highland are being reminded of the support available to them if they are struggling to pay fuel bills.

Highland Council’s welfare support team provides free, impartial and confidential support on fuel bill concerns and help with submitting claims for all benefits and entitlements.

Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Margaret Davidson said: ‘The uncomfortable reality is that the withdrawal of the £20 top-up to Universal Credit and furlough, and now a domestic energy crisis, will mean there will be Highland citizens who will be forced to choose between food or fuel this winter.

‘The current situation demonstrates the pressing need for a strategic review of our energy supply, market and infrastructure. I would encourage Highland residents who are facing difficulty in meeting the cost of their fuel bills to take full advantage of the support available.

‘We know customers receiving this support often express the relief they feel and that it has had a positive impact on their wellbeing.’

Getting in touch with the welfare support team is the first step to maximising potential income and managing householdmoney well. The team can be contacted by phone on 08000 901004 or by emailing welfare.support@ highland.gov.uk. In addition, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has a team of energy advisors who can undertake energy checks designed to help reduce domestic fuel bills. CAB energy advisers can be contacted on 01463 237664.

Funding is also available from the Scottish Government, Energy Company Obligation and Warm Homes Fund for those looking to implement energy efficiency measures in their home such as adding loft, cavity or external wall insulation to reduce heat loss and save on annual energy bills. Visit www.highland.gov. uk/energyefficientscotland for more information.