Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that on the roll-out of the new benefit next winter, pensioners in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit will be receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of £300 or £200, depending on their age.
Meanwhile all other pensioner households will receive £100 from next winter, providing them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.
Other support for people struggling with energy costs was also announced this week.
This included an additional £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund for 2024/25 and an additional £20 million for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems.
Grant funding of £1 million will be made available to registered social landlords and third sector partners to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.
Every pensioner household in Scotland to get winter fuel payment next year - BBC News
With the arrival of the colder weather, Cosy Kingdom have seen an increase in demand for their services.
Their appointment slots are now full up to the Christmas break. There are available appointments in the new year. They are still encouraging those needing energy advice to get in touch, but to expect a higher wait time for an appointment.
Cosy Kingdom operates a triage system and may be able to offer telephone advice appointments earlier than this. Please note that Cosy Kingdom is not an emergency service.
Cosy Kingdom is closed for the Christmas break from 12pm, Friday 20th December. The phone lines will reopen at 10am, Monday 6th January 2025.
Online resources can be accessed at:
Fife Gingerbread’s Early Years team has launched Project Baby, an 8-week programme designed to support mums-to-be across Fife. Held in Kirkcaldy, they are looking to enrol mums currently in their first trimester (or early in their second) so they can complete the programme before baby arrives. Continued support from the team will be available after the sessions.
By referral only – get in touch with their office on 01592 725210 or info@fifegingerbread.org.uk for more information about how to join.
Robertson Trust has announced the opening of a call for Small and Large Grant Applications under the theme of Nurturing Relationships for registered charities working in Scotland, with an annual income of over £30,000 and up to £2 million.
This theme aims to support nurturing relationships within families and communities to help break the cycle between persistent poverty and intergenerational trauma, and support recovery. Applications are open and close at 12 noon on Friday, 24th January 2025.
Nurturing Relationships Now Open | The Robertson Trust
People in Fife can get help with benefits and employment through the Community Job Clubs where they can get help searching and applying for jobs and creating CV’S. Community Job Clubs | Fife Council
There is other support available in building up confidence and skills that people need through taking part in community based courses and taking up volunteering opportunities.
An inspiring Adult Learners Celebration was held in Glenrothes this week, highlighting the achievements of individuals across various Community Learning and Development courses -, Adult Basic Education, and ESOL programmes.
More information on courses
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about any of the updates this week,
Contact: Sheena Watson
Email: sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk
