Don't suffer in silence if you are struggling with fuel poverty – help is at hand, says Highland Council
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Residents in the Highlands are being urged not to suffer in silence if they are finding it hard to pay their fuel bills.
As the days get colder and the financial impact of the recent increase to the energy price cap becomes more apparent, Highland Council is reminding people of the sources of support available them.
They include its own welfare support team, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), plus energy efficiency grants and schemes.
Highland Council leader, Margaret Davidson, said: "The uncomfortable reality is that the withdrawal of both 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 reach out and take full advantage of the support available.
"We know that customers receiving this support often express the relief they feel, and the positive impacts on their wellbeing."
The welfare support team provides free, impartial and confidential support on fuel insecurity concerns in addition to offering assistance to check eligibility and submit a claim for all benefits and entitlements.
It can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mailing welfare.support@highland.gov.uk.
In addition, the CAB has a specialist team of energy advisors who can undertake a range of energy checks which are designed to help with reducing domestic fuel bills. They can be contacted on (01463) 237664.
Funding is available from the Scottish Government, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Warm Homes Fund for those looking to implement energy efficiency measures within their home such as adding loft, cavity or external wall insulation to reduce heat loss and save on annual energy bills.
For more information, go to www.highland.gov.uk/energyefficientscotland.
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