4 hours ago
1
Jo LonsdaleNorth East and Cumbria
BBC
Millions of people across the UK use heating oil to warm their homes and prices have more than doubled in the last month
Charities are urging people not to turn their heating off as the war in Iran continues to inflate energy prices.
About 30% of homes in Northumberland and Cumbria, and 20% in County Durham, do not have mains gas and use heating fuels such as LPG or oil, which have more than doubled in price in a month.
Manager of Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) Emma Spry said: "Up here in spring we can still get freezing temperatures, snow and blizzards, so it's so important people keep their homes warm."
The government said it had acted "quickly and decisively" to support households at risk.
Spry said: "People who live in rural areas already face higher costs because food is more expensive and they have to drive further to buy it."
Emma Spry
Many thousands of households in rural areas rely on domestic oil for heat and hot water
UTASS, which is based in Middleton-in-Teesdale, was set up 25 years ago to offer support to rural communities across the Durham Dales.
Among its services is an oil-buying scheme which helps people get cheaper oil by ordering in bulk.
"There are lots of cooperatives, it's worth asking your supplier if there is one in your region," Spray said.
"You can also order smaller amounts that way which can help with cash flow."
Emma Spry
Emma Spry, who manages a rural charity in the Durham Dales, says joining a heating oil cooperative can help people with costs
The government recognises low temperatures can have an impact on health and recommends heating bedrooms and sitting rooms to at least 18C (64F).
The charity Community Action Northumberland suggested switching to an oil-filled electric radiator or electric heater to help with costs.
Community development officer Christine Nicholls said "charities like National Energy Action and Citizens Advice can help with energy vouchers".
Local authorities were given extra funds via the Housing Support Fund to help people in fuel poverty but many, including Westmorland and Furness in Cumbria and Durham County Council, have closed the schemes, although the latter is offering help via a welfare assistance scheme.
Heating oil is stored in tanks which can store up to 2,500 litres (550 gallons)
For Spry, the key message is not to be cold.
"People are welcome to come to our centre, have a cuppa and a chat and get warmed up any time," she said.
A spokesperson from the Treasury said: "The government has acted quickly and decisively to support households at risk of losing access to heating and hot water.
"Local authorities will design and implement schemes that reach those households."
