Fuel Oil: Prices
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his department is taking to support rural and other off-grid households with the cost of heating oil.
Answered by Martin McCluskey
The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off-gas-grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short-term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.
The Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices.
This funding is allocated as part of the Crisis Resilience fund, and will be distributed by Local Authorities.
In addition, the measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. On 30 January, we also announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →