Starting 1 April 2026, West Suffolk Council will begin proactively contacting over 2,000 low-income households in Haverhill to provide support for soaring heating oil costs. This initiative follows a sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies and left many rural households struggling to pay for their heating.
Unlike gas and electricity customers, those who rely on heating oil are not protected by the national energy price cap. This has left many residents exposed to immediate price hikes, with some reports indicating that the cost of 500 litres of oil has more than doubled since the conflict began on 28 February 2026.
In response, the UK Government has announced over £50 million in support for affected families. In Suffolk, this funding will be distributed through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which launches on 1 April 2026. Residents in need of immediate help can also apply for support through the existing Local Welfare Assistance Scheme, which is prioritising fuel payments and now accepts repeat applications for heating oil costs.
Councillor Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, noted that many residents are understandably worried about these rising costs. She explained that the council is directly targeting households identified as being at risk of significant fuel hardship to help them boost their income and access necessary support.
Beyond emergency payments, the council is offering free energy advice surveys to homeowners, private tenants, and landlords to help improve home energy efficiency and lower future bills. Residents seeking assistance with benefits checks, grants, or money advice can contact the Financial Inclusion Service at 01284 757660.
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