THE Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council has reiterated the authority's commitment to helping off-grid households with energy costs.

It comes after calls from Northumberland Labour to ask all county, town and parish councillors to write to the county's MPs to seek more government support for rural properties after an £100 package was announced.

According to figures from price tracker boilerjuice.com, the average cost of 1,000 litres of heating oil in the UK stood at £94.53 as of October 2 – up from £61.39 last year.

However, off-grid households that use alternative fuels to heat their homes will be given £400 by the council, the leader said.

Glen Sanderson 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.” 

MP Guy Opperman 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 £1,000 help with the price rises. 

"The Northumberland County Council administration has 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."