Oil-heated households experiencing financial hardship are able to apply to receive a one-off support of between £200 and £250
Westmorland and Furness Council have launched funding support for residents who rely on domestic heating oil and are experiencing financial hardship due to rising costs.
The fund provides assistance for households after the recent sharp rise in the cost of oil which has made it increasingly difficult for many rural residents to afford adequate heating and hot water.
Around 18,355 properties across the council area are estimated to be affected, particularly in off-gas communities where homes are not connected to the mains network.
Global oil prices have driven local heating oil costs up rapidly, with current prices typically ranging between £1.25 and £1.40 per litre, and in some cases reaching as high as £1.70 per litre. This represents more than a doubling of prices compared to earlier in the month.
As most suppliers require a minimum order of 500 litres, households are now facing upfront costs of between £625 and £850 or more, compared to around £325 to £400 previously. Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil is not covered by the Ofgem energy price cap, meaning households remain exposed to sudden price fluctuations.
Access to the Government's Household Support Fund is available through Westmorland and Furness Council for those properties facing immediate financial hardship because of the increase in heating oil prices and are at risk of losing immediate access to heating or hot water.
Eligible households can receive a one-off cash award of between £200 and £250, depending on household size, with an additional £20 for each child in full-time education up to the age of 18.
This will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until it the funding pot is fully committed.
Residents are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the Household Support Fund is strictly time-limited by the government and only available until Tuesday 31 March 2026.
From April 2026, even more support will be available for those most in need through the Council's Crisis Resilience Fund.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said:
"We know that many of our residents, particularly those living in rural and off-gas communities, are facing real and immediate pressure as heating oil prices rise so sharply. Westmorland and Furness is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country, and around 18,355 households here rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm, which makes us especially vulnerable to these kinds of price increases.
"For households already struggling, the sudden rise in costs can make it incredibly difficult to afford the basic essentials, including heating and hot water.
"This targeted support through the Household Support Fund is there to provide urgent help to those who need it most. While we know this will not solve everything, these payments can make a meaningful difference for families and individuals who are worried about how they will manage in the coming weeks.
"I would strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with the cost of heating oil to come forward and apply as soon as possible. Our teams are here to help, and we want to ensure that available funding reaches those in genuine need."
Residents can apply for heating oil support now on the Council's website.
Applicants will be required to provide details including their address, household composition, benefits received and information about their financial situation and heating oil costs. Supporting evidence, such as a recent utility bill, heating oil quote or invoice, and proof of identity, will also be required.
Applications may be declined where there is insufficient evidence of financial hardship or where the required information is not provided. Only one application per household is permitted until 31 March 2026.
Residents are strongly encouraged to apply for Household Support Funding as soon as possible, as funding is strictly time-limited by the government and only available until Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Find out more about the Household Support Fund that's supporting households heated by oil.
From Wednesday 1 April 2026, even more support will be available for those most in need through the Crisis Resilience Fund.
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