Rural Households Must Not Be Forgotten as Energy Costs Continue to Rise

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Thousands of rural households across England, including many in Berkshire, continue to face significant pressure from rising energy costs, particularly those who rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to heat their homes.

While households connected to the mains gas network are protected by the energy price cap, many rural residents who live off the gas grid are not. As a result, they are experiencing substantially higher increases in their heating costs as winter approaches.

According to our national body Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the cost of heating oil has risen dramatically, with the price of a standard 1,000-litre delivery increasing by more than £400 compared to earlier in the year. Prices have remained highly volatile, making it difficult for households to plan and budget for essential energy costs.

More than 900,000 homes across England rely on heating oil, while a further 150,000 use LPG. Most of these properties are located in rural towns and villages, where fuel poverty is already a significant concern. Research shows that fuel poverty levels are higher among off-grid households, and the rural fuel poverty gap is around double that found in urban areas.

As Berkshire’s member of the ACRE Network, Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) supports calls for rural communities to receive fair and targeted assistance as the Government considers future cost-of-living measures.

ACRE has written to the Treasury ahead of the Budget, urging ministers to introduce dedicated support for households that rely on heating oil and LPG. One proposal is a six-month VAT holiday on both fuels, which could save households around £50 on a typical 1,000-litre heating oil purchase.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of ACRE, said:

“The 1.5 million households that use heating oil, most of which are in rural areas, are facing much larger price rises of nearly 75 per cent as we approach the winter.

At a time when budgets are already stretched, these unsustainable price rises are causing huge worry and anxiety for many rural families.”

CCB recognises the unique challenges faced by rural residents and will continue to support efforts to ensure the needs of rural communities are heard at both regional and national levels.

For more information about ACRE and its work supporting rural communities across England, visit www.acre.org.uk.

CCB Receives Grant Funding for Energy Advice Project

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Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is delighted to have been awarded a Priority Grant from Berkshire Community Foundation to support its Energy Advice Project.

The funding will enable us to support local residents during the autumn and winter months by providing energy advice sessions to community groups, offering telephone support through referrals from professionals, and delivering training to frontline workers who support vulnerable families and individuals.

Helen Dean, Energy Advice Project Manager at CCB, said:

“This funding will mean that this autumn and winter we can reach more families and individuals with vital energy advice and support. We will be able to visit community groups, take telephone referrals from professionals supporting local people, and train frontline workers to provide practical information on saving money on gas, electricity and water bills. By equipping trusted professionals with this knowledge, we can help ensure more residents receive the support they need during a challenging time.”

CCB would like to extend its sincere thanks to Berkshire Community Foundation for its support in helping local people access advice, reduce household costs and build financial resilience.

Nominations Open for the 2026 Learner Achievement Awards

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Adult learners across West Berkshire are being encouraged to celebrate their achievements, and those of others who have supported their learning journey, as nominations open for the 2026 Learner Achievement Awards.

Organised by West Berkshire Council on behalf of the West Berkshire Community Learning Partnership, the awards recognise the positive impact that learning can have on individuals, families and communities. Whether it has helped someone gain new skills, improve their confidence, enhance their career prospects or support their health and wellbeing, the awards aim to showcase and celebrate these achievements.

The awards feature eight categories, recognising a wide range of accomplishments across apprenticeships, professional, academic and vocational learning, as well as non-formal learning programmes that strengthen families, communities and wellbeing.

One of the highlights is the Terry Stares Award, which celebrates the significant and often life-changing impact that education can have on an individual’s life. Award winners will receive a cash prize, with individual winners receiving £100 and group winners receiving £500.

The awards also provide an opportunity to recognise those who have inspired, encouraged and supported others through learning. Learners, groups and individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to the learning experience of others are all eligible for nomination.

Winners will be invited, along with a guest, to attend the awards presentation ceremony at Shaw House, Newbury, on Friday 6 November 2026 at 5.30pm.

If you know someone whose learning journey deserves recognition, or someone who has made a positive difference to others through education and training, now is the time to nominate them.

Nomination deadline: Friday 23 October 2026, 5pm

Find out more and submit a nomination:
https://www.westberks.gov.uk/laa

Please help spread the word and encourage anyone involved in adult learning across West Berkshire to take part. Together, we can celebrate the individuals and organisations helping to make lifelong learning a success in our communities.

Bringing Shinfield Together: Building Connections in a Growing Community

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Residents, volunteers and local organisations came together at High Copse Pavilion on 19 September for a day of food, music, creativity and conversation.

Shinfield has changed and grown significantly in recent years, with new housing developments bringing more people into the area. The event was designed to help newer and long-standing residents connect with one another, strengthen community ties, and learn more about local activities, support and opportunities.

Highlights included a community meal, music and dancing, creative arts activities, and conversations with local groups and organisations. The day was organised in partnership with Communities Vision and the Voice of Inclusion and Equality (VINE) forum, both of which play an important role in reducing isolation and helping residents feel connected to their communities.

Representing CCB, Andrea Malcolm, our Project Development Officer, enjoyed the opportunity to meet residents, community groups and partners working to make Shinfield a welcoming and inclusive place to live. From energetic dance sessions and creative workshops to inspiring conversations about local volunteering, the event demonstrated the power of bringing people together around shared experiences.

A particular highlight was the community feast, which created a relaxed and welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds to meet, talk and build new connections.

Reflecting on the event, Andrea said:

“What stood out was seeing how community activities, local organisations and residents can work together to create a real sense of belonging. As communities grow and change, opportunities like this help people build relationships, strengthen local networks and feel part of where they live.”

At CCB, supporting communities to thrive is at the heart of our community development work. Events such as Bringing Shinfield Together provide valuable insights into how communities can successfully welcome new residents, combat isolation and foster stronger local connections.

CCB is keen to support parish councils, community groups, volunteers and local partners to explore how similar approaches could be developed in other rural communities across Berkshire.

To find out more about community development support and how CCB can help your community bring people together, contact Andrea at andrea.malcolm@ccberks.org.uk

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Update

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Last week we shared a statement on the news that LGR in West Berkshire and Oxfordshire had been paused. VCS groups across West Berkshire and Oxfordshire may already know a lot about this, but maybe you want to know a little more about what LGR is and how it might affect you. If that is the case, we hope this guide can help.

In December 2024 the national government released a white paper that set out plans for a simpler local government structure. By November 2025 West Berkshire and Oxfordshire had proposed three models which had been consulted on by local authorities, organisations, and residents.

In July 2026 the government announced their decision to make plans for the Three Council proposal to go through. This would mean elections in May 2027, and the new councils would be in place in April 2028. The three-council option includes a new Northern Oxfordshire, Greater Oxford and Ridgeway Council which includes West Berkshire.

On Monday 7th September the government announced a pause on this decision, with elections to these new authorities being pushed back a year.

As the weeks move on, we hope to hear from central government what the next steps on this process will be. We know this may worry charities and other groups, and we want to ensure that we work in partnership not only to continue offering support, but to ensure that the voice of the voluntary, charity and community sector is heard.

If you would like to share your thoughts, questions or concerns please complete our Microsoft form, please note this form is for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire and contents will be shared across our four infrastructure organisations.

Community First Oxfordshire

Connecting Communities in Berkshire

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire