New fund to help Derbyshire householders with the rising cost of fuel

A new fund is being launched by Derbyshire County Council to support vulnerable households who rely on heating oil or bottled gas, with the rising costs of fuel.

The county council is providing help using funding from the UK Government, announced in response to higher prices arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

Approximately, 7,800 households currently use heating oil in the county, and a further almost 3,000 homes rely on LPG.

Up to £311,000 is available to support low-income and vulnerable people across Derbyshire, who are not connected to the mains gas network and are having trouble in obtaining fuel to heat their homes or provide hot water.

Where eligible, the council could contribute up to £350 towards the cost of LPG or heating oil, with payments made directly to fuel suppliers. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible for the full cost of fuel, up to the equivalent of 500 litres, to be covered.

To be eligible, households must meet all the following criteria:

• Low-income households who are either in receipt of a means tested benefit, or are assessed as being in-need following a financial assessment by the council
• Households where at least one member of the household is considered vulnerable, for example because of age, having a chronic health condition or disability, or where there may be someone with caring responsibilities.
• Households where the main means to heat the property or water is via heating oil or LPG, and there is an urgent need for fuel (have less than 30% of tank capacity left).

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Alan Graves said: “This support will make a real difference to vulnerable Derbyshire residents who rely on heating oil or LPG and have seen their costs rise dramatically in a very short space of time.

“Many are facing the challenge of having to bulk buy fuel when prices are at their highest. By creating this fund, we’re making sure government funding is reaching the people who need help the most.

“We remain committed to supporting households with the rising cost of living and preventing families from being pushed into crisis.”

Delivery of the fund is being supported by Rural Action Derbyshire, which will utilise its Community Oil buying Scheme to enrol successful applicants for heating oil support. Households will be responsible for paying their contribution direct to the provider before delivery, and the authority will then pay the additional amount directly to the fuel provider. Awards for LPG (tank refills and gas bottles) will involve direct payment to a household’s usual supplier.

Unfortunately, the scheme is unable to make any payments for situations where fuel has already been ordered or delivered.

For speed, the authority is using the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund application process to get people set up for the new fuel fund. However, payments are not being made by the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund scheme.

To apply, please make an application via the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund online form or by telephone 01629 533399. Please clearly state that you are applying for help with heating oil or LPG when you make the application.

For more information on how to apply and for details on the fund more widely you can visit: Help with heating oil and LPG costs – Derbyshire County Council.