Support for Low-Income Households Using Oil or LPG
The Welsh Government has announced additional financial support for low-income households as fuel prices continue to rise.
Individuals on low incomes who use heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are eligible for a one-off payment of £200 if they are on the Council Tax Reduction scheme.
It is estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 homes in Wales will qualify for this payment.
The funding is part of £3.8 million allocated to Wales by the UK Government earlier this month.
The Welsh Government stated that support is also extended to those facing significant financial hardship but who do not qualify for the payment.
'Feeling Like a Third World Country'
Pat Bedford from Llanwenog in Ceredigion is not eligible for the payment and says she cannot afford the increase in oil prices.
"I have half a tank left, but I am not using it," she said.
"I rely on the log burner in the hallway, and I wear three layers at night, plus a hat.
"I love my life here - it is a perfect existence - but at times like this it feels like a third world country.
"I'm not sure why I worked 40 years as a public servant only to have to suffer this in 2026."
About 7% of homes in Wales depend on oil as their primary heating source, with much higher percentages in rural areas.
Approximately one-third of homes in Ceredigion and Powys rely on oil, and around a quarter in Carmarthenshire.
"West Wales is starting to feel like a place where only wealthy people can live," Ms Bedford said.
"We would love to have an alternative to oil, but there is none.
"There is an aging rural population here who find it difficult.
"Someone needs to start supporting people living here in Wales."
Fuel Prices Continue to Rise Globally
Local authorities are expected to contact eligible individuals to invite them to apply.
Applicants will need to confirm their type of heating fuel and bank details, with payments made directly to their accounts.
The scheme will be open for six months from launch.
To qualify for the Council Tax Reduction scheme, individuals must receive one of the following and have less than £16,000 in savings and property:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
Through the Discretionary Assistance Fund, the maximum support for heating oil has increased from £500 to £750, and individuals can apply up to twice within a 12-month period.
'Significant Support'
Jane Hutt, the social justice secretary, said:
"The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the conflict in the Middle East is increasing prices, adding to the worry many people already feel about paying their bills and heating their homes.
"Supporting people during this period of pressure is a priority for us and we are doing everything within our power to help those who need it most.
"Today's announcements will provide immediate additional support to those with the greatest need and build on the significant support we have already put in place."
Reactions from Political Parties and Families
Dan Thomas, leader of Reform in Wales, stated that:
"Labour, like the Conservatives, have undermined our energy security with net zero madness.
"Reform has a plan to cut bills and cut fuel taxes to ease the pressure on working families."
A spokesperson for Plaid Cymru said:
"Thousands of families who are struggling are ineligible due to the narrow nature of the support.
"The Welsh Government must now work to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the payment available and encouraged to take advantage of the scheme which is greatly needed."
A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said:
"The party at UK level has launched a clean energy plan that will cut energy bills by £200 to help families with living costs.
"With Labour increasing energy bills, only the Conservatives have a plan to cut the high energy costs facing families as part of our plan to Get Britain Working Again and build a stronger economy."
The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have been approached for comment.
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