Question reference: S6W-23339
- Asked by: Paul O'Kane, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 29 November 2023
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Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 11 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Home Heating Support Fund, what the total number of applications (a) made and (b) rejected has been in 2023-24 to date.
Answer
a) Since the start of the current financial year (2023-24) up to and including 3 December 2023, 10,798 applications were received for the Home Heating Support Fund. Of these:
Approved - 5,255
Ongoing* – 2,741
*Ongoing applications are those that are being progressed, awaiting a decision or additional evidence, or are households who require debt advice before being accepted.
b) Rejected – 2,802
As per the answer to S6W-23335 on 11 December 2023, Advice Direct Scotland works with rejected applicants to ensure they have what they need to reapply. When either a referral partner or individual re-applies, the original application is used and cross-referenced with the new evidence provided.
Rejected applications are provided with a clear, bespoke explanation detailing what is required to re-apply, and both individual households and referral partners have access to follow-up support through email and telephone. Referral partners are also given training on supporting customers, particularly those who are vulnerable.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers