UK Grants £50,000 to Help Fuel Poor Homes

Kingdom Housing Association’s Tenancy Sustainment Team has provided a much-needed lifeline to fuel poor households by delivering £50,000 worth of direct financial support during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The funds were accessed through the Social Housing Fuel Support Fund, which was provided by the Scottish Government and administered by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA). This fund was specifically designed to offer practical assistance to alleviate fuel poverty and aid customers in managing or reducing their fuel expenses.

A total of 92 households benefited from the Fuel Support Fund, with the average award amounting to nearly £550. It is noteworthy that over half of the recipients were households with children, and more than a third were single-parent households. Single adult households, who have been disproportionately affected by the escalating cost of living, comprised 35% of the recipients.

The impact of this financial assistance has been profound, with one beneficiary expressing, “We have been struggling since I had to give up work in September due to ill health and my husband’s fluctuating self-employment income. The help we received gives us a fresh start, and the benefit advice provided gives us a clear roadmap on how to boost our income and avoid falling into debt again. I cannot articulate how much this means to us.”

Ric Barnett, the tenancy support service coordinator at the Kingdom Group, highlighted the harsh reality faced by many households, stating, “Fuel poverty is exacerbated by the relentless rise in the cost of living, resulting in household incomes being stretched thin. Surprisingly, 45% of the customers we assisted through the Fuel Support Fund were employed but still found it challenging to make ends meet.”

He further emphasised Kingdom’s commitment to not only providing homes but also addressing issues such as fuel poverty. As a community-focused organisation, they are dedicated to distributing support and addressing the root causes of housing inequality. Despite the closure of the Social Housing Support Scheme, the tenancy sustainment team remains proactive in seeking new sources of funding to aid their customers. Barnett’s message to customers is clear – if you are facing financial difficulties for any reason, do not hesitate to reach out to discover the available help and support.