“Today’s announcement of a £53m support package for households facing huge and unsustainable increases to heating oil cost is a welcome step. We’re also particularly encouraged to see the Government exploring new consumer protections for heating oil customers, something Fuel Bank Foundation has been campaigning for based on the needs we see from the families supported through the Fuel Bank Heat Fund. These households remain among the most exposed to volatile global fuel prices, and stronger protections and targeted support are urgently needed.
“At Fuel Bank, we will continue to work closely with households who rely on heating oil, as unlike mains gas or electricity, heating oil has been completely unprotected by price caps or government interventions, meaning that households feel the full force of price increases straight away, with no buffer or protection. Many of these families are already struggling to make ends meet, and sudden spikes in energy costs can mean choosing between heating their homes or buying food.
“This targeted support will help some of the households most at risk of losing access to hot water and heating. However, it is vital that the funding reaches the people who need it as quickly as possible. For many households, even a temporary gap in support can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing, particularly for older people, families with young children, and those with medical needs.
“We urge local authorities and policymakers to act quickly to ensure this funding reaches those who need it most. For the communities we support, even a small amount of timely help can make a life-changing difference.”
