Rising Heating Oil Costs in Rural Lancashire
Residents in rural Lancashire have experienced a doubling in the price of home central heating oil since the onset of the US-Israel war involving Iran, according to local councillors. The ongoing uncertainty in oil supply has led some households to accept suppliers' prices on the day of delivery rather than securing a price beforehand.
Councillor Simon Hore, leader of Ribble Valley Council, brought attention to the escalating oil costs during a meeting of the borough's Policy and Finance Committee. This discussion took place in the context of the £53 million government support package announced in March.
"An elderly couple in their 80s told me they had to find £1,000 for an oil delivery and suppliers are not giving quotes. It's really quite difficult."
Immediate Impact on Elderly Residents
Fellow councillor Kevin Horkin expressed concern about the situation facing elderly residents in villages throughout the borough.
"A lot of elderly people in villages across the borough are extremely worried.
The cost of oil was £440 for 500 litres a month ago, now it's £850 or £860, depending on the price on the day.
In some instances, there has been a 100% increase in the price.
It's all well and good for the national government to talk about a price cap in the coming months, but this problem is happening now in the Ribble Valley."
"We need a help scheme which is open and understandable, so the public gets the message that there is help for those facing a crisis."
Government Support Package
On 15 March, the government announced a £53 million support package through the Crisis and Resilience Fund aimed at assisting low-income households in rural communities affected by heating oil price increases. Since then, millions of pounds have been allocated to Lancashire County Council for distribution over a three-year period, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
From this funding, £400,000 has been designated for the Ribble Valley area, including £37,000 specifically for affordable warmth assistance, the LDRS reported.
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