The much-needed scheme, which is fully funded by the Inverness Common Fund, was available to eligible people within the seven specified Inverness Wards of Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness West, Inverness Central, Inverness Ness-side, Inverness Millburn, Culloden and Ardersier and Inverness South.

Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown, said: “We recognise the pressures that households are under with the fuel and economy crisis and it is fitting that the Inverness Common Good Fund has been able to provide some financial support during winter when extra fuel is needed to keep homes warm.

“The City of Inverness Committee winter payments scheme is designed to help people who are most in need and is aimed at anyone on low income of all ages and not just pensioners.”

Approved by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee, during winter 2022/23 the scheme has disbursed 1,694 one-off payments of £150 totalling £254,100 to eligible people on low incomes to help them with their winter fuel bills.

Inverness Common Good Funding can only be used to principally benefit people living within the geographic area of the former Burgh of Inverness.

The Worrying About Money? guide covers information for people waiting for claims to be assessed as well as those already receiving benefits. Topics including advice on what to do if anyone finds themselves having a sudden loss of income or if their statutory sick pay does not cover their living expenses. There is also information on how to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund, maximising income and benefit advice, debt advice and how to challenge a decision.

The 2023/24 Inverness Winter Payment Scheme will open for new applications in December 2023.