Still time for Dunedin Canmore tenants to apply for energy debt fund

Dunedin Canmore is encouraging tenants across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife to contact their housing officer if they are worried about rising fuel bills.

woman on phone

A fuel advice service is being offered by social landlords Dunedin Canmore, which is part of Wheatley Group. Since January, Wheatley Group energy advisers have been able to write off fuel debts of more than £25,000 for its tenants.

The financial support comes from the Home Heating Support Fund, which is delivered by Home Heating Advice Scotland in Partnership with the Scottish Government. It provides financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship.

A maximum of £1000 per household is available and applications close on 31 March 2022. Since the fund opened in January 2022, the Fuel Advice team has helped write-off energy debts of £27061.59 for eligible customers.

One tenant said: “The balance on my account has now been cleared. Thank you again for your help with the grant. It’s a huge relief to have this cleared.”

Electricity and gas bills for a typical household are expected to go up by £693 a year in April, a 54% increase.

Hazel Young, Dunedin Canmore Managing Director, said: “During these times, it’s more important than ever we help tenants to keep warm in their homes.

“The increase in energy costs makes it particularly difficult for our tenants, many of whom are more likely to be on the highest tariffs.

“Any tenant who is worried should contact us straight away. We have a wide range of support available for any tenant who has found themselves struggling due to the increase in the cost of living.”

Wednesday, March 16, 2022