Heating oil support package

Citizens Advice Scotland says the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new package of support will not be sufficient to protect those in the most vulnerable circumstances in Scotland. 

CAS Director of Impact David Hilferty said: 

“Evidence from across the Scottish CAB network shows that surging heating oil prices are already severely impacting households in island and rural communities. People coming to our CABs about this are desperately worried.  

“Those on the lowest incomes in rural and island communities who use oil heating also face other financial challenges like higher travel costs and fewer affordable options for buying essentials like food. The current crisis is another blow to their already stretched finances. 

“Recent events have once again exposed the precarity that is baked into our energy system. The system is broken. Today the focus is on people who use oil to heat their homes, but for gas and electricity users too, the Ofgem price cap is not providing adequate cover and only guaranteed until July. 

“The UK Government must do more. We desperately need an energy system that works for everyone. The need for long-term, consistent support that affords people financial stability and peace of mind is abundantly clear.“ 

CAS has called for a social tariff on energy bills and a robust energy debt write-off scheme.