Northumberland councillor slams 'insulting' £100 offer to off-grid homeowners

Northumberland Labour has hit out at the government’s £100 offer to off-grid properties which they say is not enough to cover cost of living rises.

They say the increase in oil prices leaves small rural and coastal communities not yet serviced by mains power particularly vulnerable.

Cllr Scott Dickinson, leader of Northumberland Labour, said: “They are paying a heavy price like many other households in Northumberland but in a different way with different styles of heating. Many suffer heavier winters due to their location, so they need help just like everyone else.

"The government response to the cost of living crisis has been inadequate to say the least, but insulting those in need off-grid with £100 to support them isn’t sufficient.

"Many of these properties contribute to Northumberland life whether it be off-grid farmers or small communities.”

Northumberland Labour are asking that all county, town and parish councillors write to MPs in Northumberland seeking more support for rural properties off-grid.

They believe Prime Minister Liz Truss could be persuaded to make a U-turn if sufficient pressure is put on her.

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery, Labour, said: “As the Northumberland Labour Party have rightly pointed out, £100 to support off-grid rural properties to combat the surging price of oil will not touch the sides during what could be a very harsh winter indeed.

“The government’s response to the cost of living crisis has been nothing short of a disaster, and, as usual, it will be honest hard working people living in struggling communities up and down the country who will pay for it.

“More financial support to tackle the rising cost of living simply must be on its way and that includes support for these rural properties battling the rising cost of oil.

"If mortgage rates go up and benefits are not raised in line with inflation on top of this then I really do fear for what is to come this winter. The government needs to act and act fast.”

But Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Conservative, said: “Global gas prices have seen a rise to simply unaffordable levels which is why the Government has stepped in with unprecedented support for households and businesses by capping the unit costs.

"Although the rise in domestic heating oil prices have not been as high, there has still been a big cost increase which I know is affecting lots of us who live rurally, which is why those households are able to receive £100 to compensate for that rise.

"Those reliant on oil or coal for their heating are also eligible for the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme Payment, and pensioner households will receive an additional £300 in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, and those on disability benefits will receive an extra £150.

"So rural households reliant on heating oil will be receiving a minimum of £500 and a great number will receive much more through the other support schemes.”

Hexham MP Guy Opperman, Conservative, said: “Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has caused the cost of everything to rise – especially energy.

“The Government is supporting people with the cost of living, including: £400 to every household, the £150 Council Tax Rebate, heating oil support and more. The most vulnerable pensioners and households will get over £1000 help with the price rises.

“The Northumberland County Council administration have been working hard to support vulnerable residents in rural areas. We campaigned successfully for park homes and people living off the electricity grid to receive equivalent support.

“I will continue to make the case to ministers to ensure our rural communities are supported with the cost of living.”

And Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson, Conservative, added: “I want to reassure residents about energy rebate payments, especially those living off-grid.

“As a responsible council we know the cost of living and in particular rising energy costs are a concern for many residents, and those living off grid face particular challenges.

“Back in June we agreed a policy where off-grid households would receive a £400 payment from the council this month.

“This was to ensure they did not miss out financially compared with those households that are connected to the national electricity grid who will benefit from a £400 reduction in their energy bills this autumn.

“It is important that at a time when people are concerned about their energy bills, they have the right information that reflects the actual level of support people can expect.”