Support Available for Oil-Heated Homes Across Shropshire
Hundreds of thousands of pounds are available to support households that rely on heating oil across Shropshire. Community Resource, alongside the local division of NWF Fuels, is helping raise awareness of the support available, eligibility criteria and application process.
Following further rises in living costs after conflict in the Middle East, the UK Government has announced targeted financial support for households that rely on heating oil. Of the £27 million allocated to local authorities across England, over £750,000 has been set aside for Shropshire residents. Support is available through the Essential Support Fund, funded by the UK Government’s Crisis Resilience Fund and delivered locally by Community Resource in partnership with Shropshire Council.
Many eligible households remain unaware that support is available. As a result, a significant proportion of the funding has yet to be claimed. While the scheme remains open, residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure support is in place ahead of the colder months.
Why Apply Now?
Applying during the summer could help speed up processing times before demand increases ahead of winter. Applying early also gives households more time to check their eligibility and access support before the colder months.
Commenting on the benefits of planning ahead, Gemma Wakefield, Domestic Director at NWF Fuels, said:
“Heating oil prices are influenced by a range of factors, but summer is often the ideal time to plan ahead and consider ordering. With demand typically lower than during the colder months, households can use this opportunity to check their fuel levels and be prepared for the season ahead.”
Gemma Wakefield
Domestic Director, NWF Fuels
Heating Oil Support Details
- Over £750,000 allocated to support eligible households across Shropshire.
- Typical support covers a 500 litre refill.
- Delivered as normal. Support is administered separately, with your paperwork, supplier and delivery driver all seeing a standard heating oil order.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Live in an oil-heated property within the Shropshire Council area.
- Receive qualifying benefits, or
- Have a household income below £36,000 for a family, or below £28,000 for a single-person household.
How to Apply
- Apply online through the Shropshire Council website.
- Call the Customer Services team on 0345 678 9012 and select option 0 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Urgent Support
If you have less than 100 litres of heating oil remaining in your tank and can provide evidence, you may be referred to the Welfare Support Team for urgent financial assistance.
What You’ll Need to Apply
- Proof of address.
- Dates of birth for all household members.
- Details of your annual income, household income or means-tested benefits where applicable.
Working Together for Shropshire Communities
Raising awareness of Heating Oil Support is just one example of the partnership between Community Resource and NWF Fuels. Through Community Resource’s Community Energy Group membership, households can benefit from competitive group-negotiated pricing, reliable deliveries and practical energy advice. Together, the organisations are committed to helping local residents stay warm, reduce costs and access support when they need it most.
As applications remain open, eligible households are encouraged to apply now and check whether support is available for their household before the colder months arrive.