The leader of Northumberland County Council has hit out at calls for more support for households using heating oil.
Many homes in Northumberland, particularly in rural and coastal areas, are not served by gas mains and are kept warm by heating oil.
The price of the fuel is not regulated in the same way as gas and electricity and as such, has increased significantly in the past 12 months. According to figures from price tracker boilerjuice.com, the average cost of 100 litres of heating oil in the UK stood at £94.53 as of October 2 - up from £61.39 last year.
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Prices peaked in March, with the cost of 100 litres hitting £159.54. As demand increases during the winter months, it is likely costs will rise again. According to heatable.com, an average house will use a full tank of heating oil every three-four weeks in the middle of winter.
The leader of Northumberland Labour, Coun Scott Dickinson, called on councillors of all levels to put pressure on the county's MPs to ask for more support for rural properties off the gas grid. The Government has offered £100 to off-grid properties, but Coun Dickinson feels that will not be enough.
He said: "With 62% of Northumberland being Rural and Coastal communities, many small communities are still not yet serviced by mains. They are paying a heavy price like many other households in Northumberland but in a different way with different styles of heating.
"Many suffer heavier winters due to their location, so they need help just like everyone else. The Government response to the Cost of Living Crisis has been inadequate to say the least, but insulting those in need off-grid with £100 to support them isn’t sufficient.
"Many of these properties contribute to Northumberland life, whether it be off-grid farmers or small communities. Nobody should be made intentionally worse off because of where they live."
But the Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, Coun Glen Sanderson, hit back at Coun Dickinson's comments and pointed out the council has already put additional support in place.
He said: "I want to reassure residents about energy rebate payments, especially those living off-grid. As a responsible council we know the cost of living and in particular rising energy costs are a concern for many residents, and those living off grid face particular challenges.
"Back in June we agreed a policy where off-grid households would receive a £400 payment from the council this month. This was to ensure they did not miss out financially compared with those households that are connected to the national electricity grid who will benefit from a £400 reduction in their energy bills this autumn.
"It is important that at a time when people are concerned about their energy bills, they have the right information that reflects the actual level of support people can expect.”
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