Those struggling to pay oil bills are urged to check if they’re eligible to receive a £300 voucher as calls for a cap on heating oil continue.
With the cost of fuel rising due to the war in Iran, a £50m Crisis and Resilience Fund has been set up by the government.
There has been concern that it won’t help enough people however as it is only for ‘below average’ household incomes which have less than £6,000 in savings.
Locally the scheme will be administered by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.
A spokesman for the county council said: “Funding is being provided to areas with high numbers of off‑grid properties as a top‑up to the existing Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
“Eligible households will receive a £300 prepaid off‑grid energy voucher.
“If a household cannot receive an electronic voucher, alternative arrangements will be explored on a case‑by‑case basis.”
Those which qualify are households with a below-average income (under £36,000 combined household income), have savings under £6,000 after the cost of oil, not be on a mains gas supply and use heating oil as the primary fuel for heating and/or hot water, be at risk of losing immediate access to heating or hot water due to insufficient heating oil and be able to pay the difference between the £300 voucher and the full cost of the heating oil (including delivery).
The county council say that decisions are aimed at being decided on within two working days.
Applications are by https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/crf/ or via 01529 572575.
South Holland MP Sir John Hayes has called for a cap on the cost of heating oil due to it not being covered by the government’s pledge to cut heating.
He said in a Parliament this week: “Those who are obliged to use heating oil are isolated by definition, and they are further disadvantaged if they happen to be old, or infirm, or disabled or poor.
“Surely the government recognises that the mechanisms already exist to cut prices
“There is no need for delay. We need to help people in my constituency and many others who are suffering from the kind of exploitation set out in this debate.”
