Financial help for heating oil now available in Westmorland and Furness

Westmorland and Furness Council has introduced a funding initiative to support households using domestic heating oil who are struggling with financial hardship due to rising costs.

The assistance is targeting homes in rural areas not connected to the mains gas network.

Approximately 18,355 properties in the region are affected, facing increased difficulty in affording heating and hot water.

Global rises in oil prices have led to local heating oil costs spiking rapidly, with prices now between £1.25 and £1.70 per litre – a sharp increase from previous prices earlier in the month.

The requirement for a minimum order of 500 litres means households are confronting significant upfront costs of £625 to £850 or more.

Heating oil lacks an Ofgem price cap, leaving users susceptible to rapid price changes.

Eligible residents under the Government’s Household Support Fund can receive a one-off cash award of £200 to £250 depending on household size, plus £20 per child in full-time education up to 18.

The funding allocation is first-come, first-served and available until 31st March 2026.

However, additional support will commence on 1st April 2026 through the Council’s Crisis Resilience Fund.

Judith Derbyshire, a Council Cabinet Member, described the pressures faced by residents in rural communities due to heating oil price hikes.

Those seeking assistance can apply on the Council’s website by providing details such as their address, household composition, benefits received, financial situation, and heating oil costs.

Supporting documents like utility bills and proof of identity are required, with applications possible once per household until the end date.

This urgency for applying is underscored by the time-limited nature of the fund.

Applications may be rejected if there is insufficient evidence of hardship or missing information.