National advice service welcomes Fuel Insecurity Fund announcement
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First Minister Humza Yousaf announced that up to £30 million will be made available through the Fuel Insecurity Fund.
Scotland’s national advice service, Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), administers the Home Heating Support Fund element of this, which provides financial support to those struggling with their energy bills.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of ADS, said: “Since launching the scheme, we’ve handled thousands of applications on behalf of people in Scotland who are struggling with energy bills.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest in the Fuel Insecurity Fund in the coming financial year, and we will be able to announce further details on re-opening the Home Heating Support Fund soon."
Working with more than 1000 ‘referral partners’ such as charities and housing associations, ADS has already helped more than 10,000 households.
Targeted funding from the Home Heating Support Fund reflects each individual’s circumstances, with extra support available for households where one person is over 75, living with a disability or illness, and/or living in a remote or island community.
Eligibility is based on households which are ‘self-rationing’ their energy, meaning those who are deliberately limiting their energy use so that they can afford to spend money on other goods or services.
The 2022/23 Home Heating Support Fund has closed for the financial year, but following today’s announcement further details will be made available shortly on how to apply for the 2023/24 fund.
Organisations and individuals are urged to monitor www.homeheatingadvice.scot for updates.
Mr Bartlett added: “This fund has already proved crucial in ensuring that households who have been hit the hardest can continue to heat their homes and feed their families.
“Anyone in Scotland who has concerns about their energy bills should contact us for free, impartial advice at www.energyadvice.scot.”
ADS is a charity which runs the national advice service advice.scot. Advice is available to everyone in Scotland, at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.
