Government Funding to Help Vulnerable Households with Rising Heating Oil Prices

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On 16 March 2026, the Government announced £53 million of financial support to be allocated across the nations of the UK to address the rising cost of heating oil. In England, £27 million is being made available, targeted at areas with higher reliance on oil heating, to support people in crisis facing sharp increases in oil heating prices. This support is being delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). Not every local authority will receive additional funding, but all local authorities are expected to support vulnerable households who use heating oil through their CRF

Vulnerable households in England who heat their homes with oil may be able to get support from their local authority through the CRF. The CRF helps low-income households facing financial difficulties due to a sudden or unexpected cost, including rising heating oil prices. Not every household using heating oil will be eligible – support is targeted at those most in need and eligibility will vary by local authority.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can be used to support households reliant on alternative fuel sources other than heating oil, such as LPG. Guidance to Authorities is clear that Crisis Payments can be used to support energy costs for any form of fuel used for domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It is for Authorities to determine individual need and the most appropriate form of support, using a person-centred, needs based approach in line with the Fund’s guidance.

Visit your local authority’s website (latest links below) or contact them directly if you think you may be eligible for support.

West Berkshire Council: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/45533/Crisis-and-Resilience-Fund
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/community-and-living/community-support/here-help
Wokingham Borough households: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/cost-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund
Latest from Slough Borough: https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50951&Opt=0
Latest from Reading Borough: https://www.reading.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-support/money-matters/crisis-and-resilience-fund/
Latest from Bracknell Forest Council: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/crisis-payment-scheme

Join the CCB Oil Club: Save Money & Support Your Community

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Do you live in Berkshire and heat your home with oil? If so, you’re not alone — and we have a way for you to save money while helping your community.

If you’re off the gas grid and rely on oil for heating, the CCB Oil Club can help you reduce your fuel costs through bulk purchasing. By joining forces with others in your area, you can take advantage of group buying power to secure better prices on oil deliveries — and help reduce the number of tankers on the road, too.

No Local Oil Club? We’ve Got You Covered!

For households that don’t have a local oil club, the CCB Oil Club, launched in partnership with the Oil Fuel Poverty Scheme (OFPS) in 2012, is available to all homes across Berkshire. This initiative allows every home in the county to benefit from the cost-saving advantages of group buying, regardless of their location.

Real Savings, Real Impact

In the last quarter (July – September 2024), our members collectively saved over £1,200! It’s clear that by pooling resources, we can all benefit. And with winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to top up your oil tank before demand and prices spike.

Why Wait? Sign Up Today!

Don’t wait until the cold weather hits — join the CCB Oil Club today to ensure you’re getting the best price for your heating oil. To learn more or sign up, click here.