Heating Oil Support 'Needs to Be Delivered Now'
News that Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to offer a support package to households struggling with rising heating oil costs has been described as "a relief, but it needs to be delivered to people now," by a group representing carers in Northern Ireland.
Nearly two-thirds of homes (62.5%) in Northern Ireland rely on oil for heating, the highest proportion among UK nations.
Prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, influenced by the global repercussions of the US-Israel conflict in Iran.
As of Thursday, the average price for 500 litres of home heating oil was £596, and for 900 litres, £1,037.
This marks a significant increase compared to prices two weeks earlier, which were £307 for 500 litres and £536 for 900 litres.
In an interview with the Times, Reeves stated she has "found the money" to assist, and noted that the Treasury is exploring "different options" to support those most vulnerable to soaring energy bills.
Joleen Cunningham, representing Carers NI, told NI:
"People will want to see this relief delivered quickly and speedily because they need it now.
People are struggling, I know from my line of work that carers are struggling to make ends meet.
They are struggling with heating costs, they're more likely to use energy and oil because of the vulnerable people that they're caring for.
So their costs and their pockets will be feeling very pinched."
She further questioned:
"How will that money translate to Northern Ireland?
Will the executive ring-fence it for the purposes for which it's intended?"
Oil Price Help Must Be 'Sustainable'
Megan Stith of Barnardo's NI emphasized that any assistance should not be temporary.
She said:
"It's incredibly important to us that families, especially children of all ages, get sustainable heating in their homes,"
"We're looking at a cost of living crisis and families having to choose between feeding their children and heating their homes.
We're seeing some real concerns about children's physical and emotional well-being.
So we welcome any kind of solution, but [want] a very long and sustainable solution to the heating crisis."
A government spokesperson commented:
"We know that people are concerned about the potential impact of global conflicts on the cost of living."
"While it is too soon to know the full impact of this crisis, as the chancellor said, she will take the necessary decisions to help families with the cost of living and protect the public finances."
Since the onset of the US and Israel's military actions in Iran, households dependent on heating oil have experienced doubled bills, cancellations of orders, and in some cases, an inability to obtain heating oil altogether.
Reeves told the Times:
"We've worked through with MPs and others a response for people who are not protected by the energy price cap."
