Carmichael welcomes support funding for heating oil crisis

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today welcomed confirmation that the government will provide funding to support families struggling with the rapid rise in heating oil costs – but warned that “the most important question is whether the government will step up should there be a need for further funding in the weeks to come”.

This afternoon ministers confirmed a £53m package of support across the United Kingdom, to be targeted towards the most needy, with £4.6m to be administered by the Scottish Government. Mr Carmichael called on Scottish ministers to outline as soon as possible how they would disperse funds to those struggling with heating bills.

Mr Carmichael previously wrote to the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, as well as meeting with Treasury ministers last week to raise concerns about the growing crisis over heating oil prices. He has also backed calls for ministers to consider new rules to ensure fairness in the heating oil market, which is currently unregulated.

Mr Carmichael said:

“Any support for people struggling with their heating oil bills is something to be welcomed. The most important question here, however, is whether the government will step up should there be a need for further funding in the weeks to come. £4.6m may or may not be sufficient to the current need – I have my doubts – but if oil prices remain high for much longer then the number of families requiring support is only going to grow.

“If this money is properly directed then it could have a real benefit to struggling families in the isles – but I suspect I am not the only one who is a little sceptical about the Scottish Government’s ability to administer this effectively for our communities.

“We have some of the highest levels of fuel poverty and the highest heating needs in the Northern Isles. Any scheme that does not give due priority to our communities is not going to be fit for purpose. The Scottish Government must set out how it is going to deliver these funds to the people who need it most as a matter of urgency.”