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Written question asked by Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Martin McCluskey (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Fuel Poverty: Rural Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the rate of fuel poverty in predominantly rural constituencies compared with urban and suburban constituencies, following recent heating oil price rises.

Answer

The latest fuel poverty statistics estimate that 13.8% of rural households in England were in fuel poverty in 2025, compared with 7.2% in semi-rural areas and 9.2% in urban areas. These estimates predate impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.

In March, the Chancellor announced £53 million for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices, alongside a commitment to new regulation of this sector. The Government will continue to monitor the situation ahead of the winter and plan for all contingencies. Homeowners living in properties heated by oil and LPG are also eligible for £9,000 off the cost of a heat pump.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12988
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Fuel poverty Fuel oil Prices Rural areas
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk