Low-income oil and LPG heating households urged to take up financial support in Herefordshire
Herefordshire’s low-income oil heating households, which have been hit by the recent significant rise in energy costs, are set for a boost thanks to a new financial support fund.
People who rely solely on oil heating or LPG have been hit by huge price rises caused by the Iran conflict and resulting global issues.
Herefordshire Council has rapidly launched a new scheme, funded by central government, with financial payments available for qualifying households.
Residents who may qualify are asked to get in touch. More information is available online.
With more than 13,600 homes using solely oil heating, and almost 3,000 on LPG only, Herefordshire has a very high proportion of such properties, based on 2021 UK Census data. It means an estimated c18% of the total 88,000 properties.
Herefordshire Council has secured £517,865 additional funding from government to help low-income households afford the huge increases in cost of oil and LPG. One national average price cited has highlighted the cost of LPG rising from 67pence to £1.45 per litre in recent weeks.
Eligibility for financial support through the fund is based on criteria aligned to the Council’s existing Warm Homes Local Grant programme. Households receive funding covering a proportion of the difference in cost between their previous average bills and the current price:
|
Total household gross income |
% of increased bills paid
|
|
£36,000 or below |
100% |
|
£36,000 - £50,000 |
50% |
|
More than £50,000 |
None automatically paid, but various exemptions available based on evidence of financial hardship |
People can also contact the Council for more information and to apply by email: warmhomeslocalgrant@herefordshire.gov.uk
Published: Friday 20 March 2026