Council help with energy bills
Families on low incomes are set to get £135 to help with energy bills, which are due to rise by more than 50 per cent this month.
West Lothian Council has allocated more than £500,000 to help the poorest in the area mitigate the impact of rising energy costs and the changes to Universal Credit.
First announced in October 2021, the Scottish Government Winter Support Fund aims to support wellbeing and respond to financial insecurity.
West Lothian Council’s allocation was £780,000 – with over £570,000 used for direct financial assistance for those likely to experience hardship.
The rest of the allocation was used for fuel and food support and for those households who need help but do not qualify for any other type of benefit support.
The energy price cap was removed at the weekend and many households will see fuel bills rise by at least 50 per cent.
The payout was agreed at the last meeting of the council executive.
Around 4,600 people in West Lothian will benefit from Winter Support Fund cash.
This payment is aimed at particularly vulnerable groups who also have a disability premium in their council tax reduction calculation.
Those who qualify will be notified and will receive a £135 payment in April.
The money will be paid directly into bank accounts. The Leader of the council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “It is vitally important that we get this support to the groups identified as quickly as possible, especially with the increase in living costs.
“Since the original council decision was made in December 2021, cost pressures have increased significantly and we believe making these payments to be the best use of this particular resource from the Scottish Government.”
Nahid Hanif, the council’s anti-poverty manager added: “The proposed oneoff allocation of £573,000 provides a response to help key groups of low-income households.
“The payment provides a significant additional payment which will ensure those impacted by the increased living costs will have access to additional money.”