Summary
Local councils in Berkshire are developing plans to distribute government funds to households using heating oil, following a national support announcement. The UK government allocated £53 million to help with rising heating oil costs, linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
- The UK government will distribute £53 million for heating oil support.
- Berkshire councils will decide how to allocate their share of the funds.
- About 3.6% of UK households rely on heating oil.
- Oil prices rose significantly after the US-Israel war with Iran began.
- Gas and electricity prices are regulated, but heating oil prices are not.
- The Crisis and Resilience Fund started on April 1, replacing earlier support funds.
- Some councils in Berkshire are working on policy details for fund distribution.
- Reading Council identified low demand for heating oil, as it is mainly urban.
