£3 million support fund launched for Scots struggling with energy bills as prices set to rise

Published date14 January 2022
AuthorKatie Williams
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
A new scheme is providing a £3 million support fund has been launched by the Scottish Government to prevent households from falling into fuel poverty and help those 'rationing' their energy use

This comes after the wholesale of gas skyrocketed last year forcing over 30 firms to close.

READ MORE- Jet2 flights to Spain from Edinburgh 'cheaper' than train to Glasgow as prices dropped

The lack of competitors has meant there are little to no deals and bills are rising.

Money Saving Expert founder, Martin Lewis has warned that the new price cap coming in April is expected to boost prices up 51 percent.

His advice to the majority of people is to stay put with their providers.

The Home Heating Support Fund is open until March 31 and applications can be made on behalf of individuals by 'referral partners' through www.homeheatingadvice.scot.

Local authorities and housing associations, as well as charities and organisations which provide energy or debt advice, are encouraged to register online so that they can seek funding for people they support.

Last year, a poll found that nearly a third of Scots had rationed their energy use so they could afford to spend money on other goods and services.

With recent price rises and a further steep increase in bills expected in spring, there are growing concerns about the impact on households.

Targeted funding from the Home Heating Support Fund will reflect each individual's circumstances.

There will also be extra support available for households where one person is over 75, they rely on electric heating, or live in a remote or island community.

Payments start at £100, rising to £500 to clear outstanding debt, with the money paid directly to suppliers on behalf of the household.

Eligibility is based on households which are...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT