Councils to Offer Subsidy for Off-Grid Heating Costs

The UK government has announced plans to provide financial assistance to households reliant on off-grid heating systems, such as those using heating oil or LPG. Eligible residents of these households can receive up to £250 in funding to help with their heating bills. Under the new scheme, council tax bands will be adjusted to reflect a reduced rate for eligible households. This means that households currently paying Band D could see their annual bill reduced to around Band C, saving them approximately £1,200 per year. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has stated that the funding is aimed at supporting those who are “least able to afford the increased cost of energy” during periods of high demand. Eligibility criteria will be based on household income and dependence on off-grid heating systems, with further details to be released in the coming weeks. The subsidy scheme is part of a broader effort by the government to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on vulnerable households.