Highland Council has announced an increase to its winter payment scheme for those living in Inverness.
Previously members of the Inverness area committee had agreed a one-off payment of £97 to be given to the most in need households this winter.
The money was to help residents cope with the rise in energy costs and alleviate the pressure during the winter months.
The committee has now agreed to increase the one-off payment to £150 as part of the the Winter Discretionary Payments scheme.
Available funds from the Inverness Common Good Fund are being reallocated to residents living within the seven Inverness wards.
These are Aird and Loch Ness, Culloden and Ardersier, Inverness Central, Inverness South, Inverness West, Ness-side and Millburn.
New applications for this year scheme will be accepted from December 1 to February 28 next year.
‘A lifeline for many individuals.’
Leader of Inverness and area Ian Brown said: “The increased winter payment to £150 for those eligible will have a positive impact on individuals struggling financially and also to people receiving disability benefits, who are also more likely to be negatively impacted by increased costs of living.
“Members approved this increase as we have never before seen such challenging and difficult financial situations as we now face this winter.
“This payment, and other packages of financial support, will act as a lifeline for many individuals.
“The fuel and cost of living crisis we are currently living in is unprecedented and demonstrates the key role which the Inverness Common Good Funded scheme plays in helping people most in need to heat their homes.”
Highland Council has also launched a cost-of-living webpage highlighting practical advice and information about financial help available to residents in Highland.
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