More funds available to help heat homes

It adds to the £400,000 already made available via Angus HeatWell from last October.

The cash is being provided through the Angus HeatWell (Round 2) Scheme, with grants delivered from the Scottish Government Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) funding.

It adds to the £400,000 already made available via Angus HeatWell from last October.

Councillor Mark McDonald, communities convener, said: “The scheme can make a difference to those struggling to heat their homes and help to address the pressures facing local residents.

“Angus HeatWell has already made a significant difference to resident in the area, assisting a total of 1598 households with the increased cost of living and, as a result, benefitting almost 1500 children up to the end of March.”

The financial assistance scheme is open to householders in Angus with prepayment meters, direct debit account and oil accounts and is being delivered by north-east charity, Scarf on the council’s behalf.

Subject to eligibility, it can provide £147 of fuel vouchers to single occupancy households, or £294 of fuel vouchers to households with families of two or more occupants.

Access to vouchers is subject to further eligibility criteria, including total household income and receipt of benefits.

In the 12 months up to October, Scarf had distributed more than £600,000 worth of fuel vouchers through various funding programmes across the North east.

Lawrence Johnston, Co-Chief Executive at Scarf, said: “We’re very pleased to continue to work with Angus Council to bring vital support to householders in the area.

“This second round of HeatWell funding will provide crucial financial assistance to those in need. We encourage all potentially eligible householders to get in touch to apply and receive extended support from our wider advice services.”

To apply, go to Scarf’s Grants and Funding page for householders, or call 0808 129 0888 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 4.30pm), where callers can be taken through the application process or arrange a home visit. Alternatively, applicants can go directly to the application form.