Buckinghamshire Council has responded to the Government’s recent announcement of financial support for low-income households who use heating oil, with council leader Steven Broadbent calling for further clarity on how the scheme will operate locally.
The Government has outlined plans for targeted support linked to existing crisis funding, which it says will be aimed at low-income households. Further details on eligibility and delivery are expected in the coming days.
Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said many residents in the county rely on heating oil and may be concerned about recent price increases.
He said:
“We know many residents in Buckinghamshire rely on heating oil and will be concerned about the recent increase in price. The Government has outlined some targeted support that may be available. They have indicated the outline of how this will work; it will be linked to the Crisis and Resilience Fund and will be limited to residents from low-income households. Further details are expected in the coming days, but this grant funding is an area that the Government has cut by almost £1 million for Buckinghamshire over the last two years.”
He added that the council was seeking more information about the level of funding available, noting that a higher proportion of residents in Buckinghamshire use heating oil compared with many other areas.
“Cost of living pressures are once again rising and we are seeking urgent clarity on just how much additional financial support Buckinghamshire will receive for this purpose, given a greater number of people use heating oil at home compared to many other parts of the country. We will communicate more on this at the earliest opportunity.”
He also encouraged residents facing financial difficulties to seek support through the council’s website.
“I urge anyone experiencing severe financial hardship, including struggling to meet energy costs, to look at the cost of living section of our website in the first instance where there is information on how to seek advice and support.”
The council said it will provide further updates once more details about the Government’s scheme are confirmed.
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