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.