Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAGCAS) with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council launch their new Fuel Top Up Scheme through the allocation of the phase 3 Hardship funding, designed to support those facing fuel poverty and hardship due to the impact of the current pandemic.
DAGCAS will provide the most vulnerable, who are struggling to pay for their pre-paid gas and electricity meters, which we know are more expensive to run, with fuel voucher top ups as we recognise the increase in use and the risk of associated debt has the potential to create a very real and disproportionate financial impact on individuals and families. Eligibility is for tenants in private rented accommodation, who do not have money to top up pre-payment meters. This proposed allocation looks to further support individuals and families to meet increasing costs as we move through the winter months. Those in need of this extra support can apply for £40 worth of fuel vouchers via one of our referral partnership agencies, including:
Alcohol & Drugs South West Scotland
Independent Living Support (ILS)
Dumfries & Galloway Mental Health Association
First Base Agency
Shelter Scotland
The Hub – Your Community Action Centre, Dumfries
Wigtownshire Women’s Aid
Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre
Kate’s Kitchen
Christine Sinclair, Operations Manager, states: “A big thank you to D&G Council for the funding, without them this extra support to those most in need would not be possible. Poverty includes not only financial poverty and hardship but fuel poverty as well. We want to encourage people experiencing financial difficulties to get in touch with DAGCAS.”
Anti-Poverty Advisers at DAGCAS will provide advice and practical support to members of public to maximise their household income. They will undertake benefit checks for each client, provide advice and practical support to clients to help tackle fuel poverty. They will also give advice on budgeting, understanding financial products, and bank account options, to help improve financial capability.
Our service can be accessed by
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Telephone at 0300 303 4321 (Free from Landlines but from mobile may vary). Advisers are available 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday and to 4 pm on Friday (closed 12:30-1:30pm).
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Email, fill out and send the enquiry form on our website at www.dagcas.org/
