A Cumbrian MP has called for more support to be given to people in rural communities facing ‘crippling bills’ for their fuel.
Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, said those in remote communities should not be left behind when trying to keep warm this winter.
Dr Hudson said he had pushed for more action for those in rural areas not on the gas grid and used heating oil, LPG or alternatives to heat their homes and businesses.
The Government is currently offering £100 towards energy costs and Dr Hudson has called for this to increase immediately to support rural people currently falling through the cracks of energy support legislation.
This has included writing to the Government consistently since the lead-up to the spring Budget, meeting Ministers over recent weeks, and asking the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy if it would consider publishing an assessment on the potential merits of introducing an energy price cap on heating oil.
He spoke in a debate in Parliament today, brought forward by Conservative MP Fay Jones, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire. S
Afterwards, Dr Hudson said: “The Government needs to do more to look after those of us in rural areas who use heating oil, LPG, or alternative fuels. The £100 currently being offered to heating oil and other off grid users urgently needs to be increased, it’s as simple as that.
” As I’ve repeatedly said, it simply doesn’t reflect the hardship faced by people having to fill their tanks at hugely inflated costs, often with crippling minimum orders of 500 litres. I use heating oil at home in Brampton, as do so many people in our rural communities, so I’m acutely aware that this problem is only worsening and needs immediate action.
“I thank my friend and Conservative colleague Fay Jones for bringing forward this vital debate and for the opportunity to raise this issue again in Parliament for rural Cumbria. I’ve repeatedly brought this issue to the Government’s attention, and I sincerely hope we see action urgently.”
