Norfolk council approves £50k donation to help with rising heating oil crisis |
North Norfolk District Council voted to approve the donation as thousands of homes in the area have seen a surge in their oil prices due to the conflict in Iran.
The sharp rise had prompted complaints from families across Norfolk that the cost of domestic heating oil has doubled, and led to growing calls for government intervention.
In north Norfolk alone, 25pc of homes rely solely on heating oil.
Thousands of homes in north Norfolk have been impacted by the surging costs of heating oil.
Councillor Lucy Shires, finance portfolio holder, said: “While the Government has indicated action on rising fuel costs is coming in April, the details on how residents will qualify for assistance are not yet clear.
"Because many of our rural communities rely on oil for heating this donation is intended to provide timely, local support where it is most needed.”
Applications for the funding can be made to the council's financial inclusion team or to North Norfolk Foodbank.
The foodbank is an established charity which has extensive experience supporting rural households, ensuring this help reaches those who are most in need.