The Fuel Well 2 Dundee Programme will support people on a low income whether they are in or out of work or those who are at risk of experiencing fuel poverty.

Applications for this funding opened this week and it is anticipated that the first payments will be made mid-December 2021, with scope for further payments to be made in January and February.

This will coincide with the coldest months of Dundee’s winter and in the run up to Christmas.

Last year’s Fuel Well Scheme reached over 2,700 households and paid out £295,000. This year Dundee has £400,000 from the Scottish Government to support households in the city facing fuel poverty this winter.

Councillor Willie Sawers, council finance spokesperson, said: “Winter is a difficult time for many people as they have some really tough financial choices to make as the temperature drops.

“This has been made so much worse this year by the effects of rising households bills, with increasing energy bills leading to a significant reduction in people’s weekly incomes.

“We are anticipating that those applying will generally be claiming means tested benefits however we have acknowledged that some of those who are struggling the most may just be above the threshold for means testing but may still be fuel poor.”

Lynne Short, fairness and equalities spokesperson, added: “We will be using some discretion when decision making and deciding when a payment can be made, as was the case last year.

“No one should have to make a choice between heating and food this winter. We have a great team here that are ready to help you in anyway.

“So, I would urge anyone struggling to get in touch and we will do all we can to help you this winter.”

Run by Dundee City Council and SCARF (Part of the Home Energy Scotland network) the Fuel Well 2 Dundee Programme can either be accessed directly here or through referral by a partner organisation.