COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Highland councillors agree funding for two specialist advisors to support tenants adversely affected by rising energy prices
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Funding for two specialist advisors to offer advice and support to tenants adversely affected by rising energy prices, has been agreed by Highland councillors.
The cost of around £80,000 for one year was agreed by members of the council's housing and property committee.
Committee chairwoman Cllr Glynis Sinclair said fuel poverty continued to rise across Highland due to the combined cost of living and energy crisis.
"Whilst the causes are outwith the council’s control, having energy advisors to assist tenants directly with specialist advice and provide access to external funding for financial support will be invaluable throughout the cost of living crisis," she said.
"I would like to thank the council officers who continue to work tirelessly to provide support to tenants who are struggling and encourage those who haven’t asked about support options that they may be eligible for, to make contact with their local housing officer."
To help with more specialist energy advice support, Highland Council is in discussion with AliEnergy, an advice charity which is currently assisting Lochaber tenants through a referral process via the local housing team.
To extend the scheme Highland-wide, two energy advisors employed by AliEnergy will be based in north and south Highland.
The cost will be around £80,000 for the two positions for one year which was agreed today by the housing and property committee and will be met within the housing revenue account budget for 2022/23.
Members agreed in principle to increase the proposed funding to £160,000.
Housing officers will investigate the potential to appoint additional energy advisors using this extra funding and will report back to a future committee meeting on progress.
The council said housing officers remain supportive and sympathetic to all tenants facing financial hardship at this time and continue to signpost tenants to partner services who can provide specialist advice relating to income maximisation and benefits uptake.
Go to community advice and welfare support for contact details.
