Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Calls for Action to Tackle Cost of Heating Crisis

Adam calls for renewed support for off-grid households facing rising heating oil costs.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam has called on the UK Government to introduce targeted support for households reliant on heating oil and other off grid fuels.

Many homes in rural and coastal communities are not connected to the mains gas network and rely instead on heating oil, LPG or other alternative fuels. These households are not protected by the Energy Price Cap and are therefore more exposed to sudden increases in global fuel prices.

Ms Adam has written to the UK Government urging ministers to consider reintroducing support similar to the Alternative Fuel Payment that was provided during the energy crisis.

Karen Adam MSP said:

“In communities like ours, many homes simply aren’t connected to the gas grid. For those households, heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s the only way to heat their homes.

“When global energy prices rise, these families often feel the impact first and most sharply.

“The UK Government previously recognised this by introducing targeted support for households relying on alternative fuels. With heating oil prices climbing again, I believe there is a strong case for that kind of support to be considered once more.

“People across Banffshire and Buchan Coast are already dealing with the pressures of the cost of living crisis, and we must make sure rural communities are not left behind.”

Ms Adam also encouraged residents who are struggling with heating costs to contact her office for support and advice.