Heating oil users in Somerset will receive targeted financial assistance through a newly established crisis and resilience fund, announced by the government in response to soaring heating oil prices.
The recent sharp increase in heating oil costs is largely attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Iran, impacting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for one-fifth of the world’s crude oil.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer disclosed on March 16 a £53 million support scheme aimed at the 1.5 million UK households relying on heating oil. The initiative prioritizes those most vulnerable to rising energy costs.
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In Somerset, the council will allocate £1.16 million from this fund via its crisis and resilience program, which is set to provide approximately £21.5 million over three years to assist households facing severe financial hardship.
The fund is set to launch on April 1, replacing the household support fund, and will focus on five key objectives to reinforce community resilience.
Councillor Heather Shearer, responsible for children, families, and education, expressed strong support for the new fund during a March 11 council meeting in Taunton. Representing Mendip West, she emphasized the fund’s broad reach across all age groups and communities.
Shearer stated, “This three-year fund replaces short-term schemes and offers a more stable and strategic framework for crisis support. We are committed to ensuring that every resident accesses the right support when they need it.”
Council leader Bill Revans highlighted the ongoing global challenges affecting fuel costs and acknowledged the financial pressures these cause for families. He confirmed the council’s proactive approach in reviewing existing cost-of-living support to ensure continued help for residents.
For more information about the crisis and resilience fund and available support, residents can call 0300 123 2224.
Meanwhile, Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour criticized the government’s current support measures as insufficient. She pointed out that over 42% of households in her constituency are especially vulnerable to the escalating price of heating oil.
Describing the £53 million scheme as merely a “sticking plaster on a gaping wound,” Gilmour urged for expanded assistance including the extension of the rural fuel duty relief scheme and a temporary zero VAT rate on heating oil.
She remarked, “After excluding the southwest from their budgets and showing a lack of understanding about rural challenges, the government has failed to grasp the severity of the heating oil crisis affecting rural communities. The support announced will not significantly ease the burden many families face.”