Shropshire Council is today urging any Shropshire resident struggling with rising costs of heating oil to get in touch as soon as possible – despite the current warm weather.
With the launch of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (funded by the UK Government), the council has been allocated £758,000 to support Shropshire homes. The scheme is managed jointly by Shropshire Council and partner organisation Community Resource. People who are eligible for heating oil support could receive, on average, £300 to help fill their oil tanks.
Despite the hot weather, people need heating oil for hot water as well as heating. Residents are urged to get in touch for support. (Credit: Canva)
Leader of the Council, Heather Kidd, said:
‘We may just have had a heatwave – and there’s more hot weather on the way – so people haven’t had their heating on much recently. But people need heating oil for cooking and hot water, too. And just because people are using less oil at the moment, it doesn’t mean they won’t need it later in the year – especially in a rural county like ours where many homes are off-grid.
‘So I’d really urge anyone who’s struggling to fill their oil tanks because of rising costs to get in touch. We really want to help. My message is simple: heating oil’s not just for winter, and neither is heating oil support from the council. Fill up your tanks now!
‘Plus, there’s a wide range of other cost-of-living support for residents from the council and our partners. We can help with everything from Blue Badges and concessionary travel, to help applying for benefits and Council Tax discounts, to debt advice and support with energy and utility bills, and so much more. Get in touch – we’re there for you.’
How to access support for heating oil
Support is available to eligible residents through the heating oil support scheme on the Shropshire Council cost of living webpages or by ringing 0345 678 9012 (option 0) – lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Households in urgent need may be prioritised, and residents who are not in immediate crisis may also be referred to Community Resource for additional help, including advice and access to its community energy groups, which help people save money through collective buying.
The heating oil scheme forms part of the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, through which Shropshire Council is working with local partners to provide support with a range of essential living costs. Residents can also find broader cost of living help from the council, including advice on benefits, budgeting, debt, energy and other practical support to help households manage ongoing pressures.
How to get help with cost of living and the Crisis and Resilience Fund
Residents who cannot access the website may call 0345 678 9012 (Option 0) (lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
Residents can talk face to face and apply with the help of our trained advisors at one of our Shropshire Local hubs in Shrewsbury & Ludlow, or out and about as part of Shropshire Local Mobile: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council
