£150 vouchers for North Northamptonshire residents relying on heating oil
Rising global tensions are pushing up heating costs in North Northamptonshire, leaving some households unable to afford their bills
Applications have opened for emergency financial support to households in North Northamptonshire that depend on oil as their primary heating source.
Residents not connected to the mains gas network, who are at risk of running out of heating oil and cannot afford the minimum cost for an oil delivery, may be eligible for assistance.
Successful applicants will receive a £150 prepaid card to help cover heating oil costs, distributed through the HUGGG voucher platform.
The scheme targets low-income and vulnerable households, particularly those in rural communities, where the impact of rising heating oil prices is most felt.
In March, the Government committed £50 million nationally to support households struggling with high heating oil costs, which have escalated due to the war in Iran.
North Northamptonshire has received part of this funding as part of the £13.18 million Crisis Resilience Fund.
Heating oil prices are not protected by the Ofgem energy price cap, meaning households depending on heating oil experience price hikes faster than those using mains gas or electricity.
Eligibility for the fund requires that applicants live in North Northamptonshire, use heating oil as their primary heating source, and have oil tank levels at 30% or less.
Their household savings should be below £1,500, or £6,000 if aged 66 or over.
Hazel Webb, head of Stronger and Safer Communities at Northamptonshire Council, commented on the situation:
"There is a certain eligibility criteria, and we're looking to provide a prepaid card to assist with costs. We acknowledge it's limited and are looking at other potential funding options.
Applications can be completed online, with assistance available at council outreach locations.
The application requires details such as national insurance number, proof of heating oil use, bank statements, and evidence of current oil levels.
Funding will remain available until resources are depleted, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly.
The council is set to launch a Crisis and Resilience Fund in July, which will address various community needs in collaboration with the voluntary and community sector."