Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Fuel Costs: Rural Households and Communities

29 March 2023 · 4 other contributors · 2,680 words

Opened by Angela Crawley SNP Lanark and Hamilton East

Responding minister: Amanda Solloway

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Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Angela Crawley raised concerns about fuel costs: rural households and communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Around 2 million people in the UK rely on off-grid gas supplies for heating.
  • Rural households face higher rates of fuel poverty at 15.9% compared to 11.1% in urban areas.
  • Roy's situation exemplifies the challenge with kerosene prices rising from 1 per litre to 71p and 81p in recent months.

Key requests to Government

The Government should ensure that remaining households eligible for alternative fuel payments receive them promptly. Additionally, the Minister should address how she plans to ameliorate the impact of rising fuel costs on off-grid electricity-dependent households. The Government must also consider more stringent windfall tax measures and commit to reducing exponential increases in standing charges.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Angela Crawley SNP Lanark and Hamilton East

Around 2 million people in the UK rely on off-grid gas supplies to heat their homes, including heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas, coal, and biomass. Rural homes are more likely to be less energy-efficient and therefore more susceptible to fuel poverty, with 15.9% of households in rural areas experiencing fuel poverty compared to 11.1% in urban areas. Constituents like Roy face significant challenges due to the rising cost of kerosene, with prices increasing from £1 per litre in June 2022 to an estimated 71p per litre in April and 81p in March.

Other contributors (4)
  • Craig Blunt Con Rother Valley

    The hon. Member is right that the government's response has been too slow, particularly for pensioners who have no additional means to pay upfront for fuel costs.

  • Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire

    Some households have not received payments due to difficulties with their electricity supplier or landlord, causing hardship in rural areas. The most vulnerable people who pay for energy up front are still waiting for government support. Many people might not be able to access the online portal for support. Constituents have come asking about this, and while they are pointed in the right direction, there will be others who are unaware of the availability of that support due to their inability to get online.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the debate on fuel costs and highlights the issue of rural isolation compounded by rising fuel costs, affecting young farmers' ability to attend events due to resource constraints.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Congratulates the debate's importance and points out excessive fuel costs in rural areas for both heating homes and travel. Criticizes the limited reach of the rural fuel duty relief scheme, calling for expansion to benefit more communities. The Minister is urged to consider a special package for hospices, which have seen a 350% increase in fuel bills. These establishments cannot turn down heating like other businesses can, so they require targeted support.

Government Response

Amanda Solloway

The Government has implemented several schemes to assist rural households and communities affected by high energy costs, including the alternative fuels payment for those using oil or LPG as their main heating source. Over 85% of relevant customers in Great Britain received this payment automatically via electricity suppliers in February 2023. For non-domestic users such as off-grid homes and park home residents, an additional £400 support is available through the energy bills support scheme alternative funding until May 31st. The Energy Price Guarantee helps to lower annual bills for domestic customers by reducing electricity and gas costs. This will be maintained at £2,500 from April to June providing more savings. Additionally, a further £7.3 billion of support is available through the energy bill relief scheme until March. However, due to high ongoing costs, this programme will end in March with non-domestic customers receiving continued assistance via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme from April onwards.

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