The UK Government has announced a new £53 million support package aimed at helping some households that rely on heating oil, particularly those in rural and off grid communities, manage rising energy costs.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the funding, stating:
“We are going to support rural communities with the cost of heating oil… £53m for households that are most exposed.”
This announcement comes as many off grid households continue to face fluctuating heating oil prices, driven by global energy market pressures.
The government has confirmed £53 million in funding to support households most affected by rising heating oil costs. The support is expected to be targeted at low income households, particularly those in rural areas who are not connected to the gas grid and rely on heating oil for home heating and hot water.
These homes are often located in rural or remote areas where access to mains gas is not available, leaving them more exposed to price fluctuations.
Learn more about how home heating oil works in our previous article.
In England, the funding will be distributed by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which comes into effect from 1 April.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, funding will be allocated to devolved governments, who will determine how best to support vulnerable households in their regions.
As this support is expected to be highly targeted, not all households will qualify.
If your heating oil tank is running low, it is important not to delay ordering fuel while waiting for further details. Running out of heating oil can cause significant disruption, particularly during colder periods.
If you are concerned about managing the cost, it may also be worth considering flexible payment options. At Barton Petroleum, customers can spread the cost of heating oil through monthly Direct Debit plans, helping to avoid large one off payments and manage household budgets more easily. These plans are designed to spread costs evenly across the year, with no set up fees and the flexibility to adjust as needed.
Learn more on our Home Heating Oil page.
Full details of the scheme are expected to be announced soon, including:
In the meantime, households experiencing immediate financial difficulty are encouraged to contact their local authority to explore what support may already be available.
As further details about the government’s support package are expected soon, it is important to stay informed so you do not miss any support you may be eligible for. Guidance on eligibility, how funding will be distributed and how to apply will be confirmed shortly.
If your heating oil levels are running low, it is advisable not to leave ordering too late. Keeping an eye on your tank levels can help avoid the risk of running out, particularly during periods of high demand.
Heating oil prices are influenced by global energy markets and can change quickly due to international events. We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates to help you stay informed about any changes that may affect prices or supply.
As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated so you know what support may be available to you.
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