Who is eligible for Starmer’s £53m heating oil support package?

 The government has announced a £50 million financial aid package to assist households struggling with soaring heating oil costs.

Heating oil prices have at least doubled in the past week due to volatility in the Middle East, exacerbated by Iran's warnings regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately 1.5 million mainly rural UK households rely on heating oil, with 62.5% of homes in Northern Ireland using it, making them particularly vulnerable to price spikes.

Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil is not covered by Ofgem's price cap, leaving customers exposed to immediate cost increases.

The funding will be distributed to devolved governments, with £17 million allocated to Northern Ireland, £27 million to England, £4.6 million to Scotland, and £3.8 million to Wales, alongside plans for new consumer protections.