Help for people who use heating oil is on the way

Households in North Lincolnshire who rely on heating oil are set to receive help with their bills.

Unlike for those who use gas and electricity for their domestic fuel, prices for households using oil are not capped by regulator Ofgem.

More than 600 households in the area have already registered for support, and North Lincolnshire Council is urging others to do so as soon as possible.

In March, the government announced about £50m of support for households struggling with high heating oil costs, following sharp price rises resulting from the Iran war.

Council leader Rob Waltham said: "We know this is hitting people in our rural communities hard – families who rely on heating oil don't have the same protections as those on mains gas.

"If you use heating oil then come forward – help will be available from the council."

Since the start of the war, some people using heating oil have seen their bills double, had their orders cancelled or been unable to get supplies at all.

The support scheme is expected to be in place before the end of the month.