The North Lanarkshire Fuel Hardship payment is part of North Lanarkshire Council’s £8.6 million package to support people faced with the spiralling cost of living crisis.

North Lanarkshire residents who are working and meet the income thresholds are urged to apply by 3 December to get immediate help with energy bills.

For those who are worried about heating costs at home, the council is working with voluntary partners to provide a network of more than 120 community and council facilities where people can drop in and be welcomed in a warm, safe and stigma-free environment.

These include existing third-sector and community facilities which have been enhanced through grant funding and are supported by council-run places such as libraries, community centres and leisure facilities.

Facilities will be open from Monday 14 November and each venue’s location and opening times can be found on an interactive map on our dedicated Cost of Living webpage:

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Our £8.6m cost of living package is my absolute priority. Residents are facing enormous challenges, and the council is responding.

“While the council can’t fix the cost-of-living crisis, it’s important that people know what support is available. The North Lanarkshire Fuel Hardship payment is just one of several steps we are taking to support residents who are worried about energy bills. I would urge any working household to find out if you’re eligible and apply.

“Our key focus is on providing a dignified approach to supporting people who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the soaring costs of food, energy, and basic household goods by providing a cash response where possible.

“But we also recognise that there are people who are frightened to put on their heating at home and that’s why we are working closely with our voluntary sector to provide drop-in spaces where people can sit in the warmth and grab a cuppa.

“We’ll have helpful information at all these venues to assist people with finances and reducing income, while our Tackling Poverty Team is also working round the clock to ensure residents maximise their income from benefits and supporting them to claim the payments and grants they are entitled to.”

To be eligible to apply for the one-off Fuel Hardship Payment you must apply by 3 December 2022 and be:

• A householder or tenant living in North Lanarkshire (applications are limited to one per household).
• In work on a low income.
• In addition, a one-off North Lanarkshire Child Payment of £125 per child will be paid directly into bank accounts of parents and carers whose children receive free school meals or clothing grants.

People who claim the following benefits aren’t eligible to claim the fuel hardship payment: Universal Credit, Income-based jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit.