Conservative offer on heating oil a “slap in the face” for families in Cumbria - Farron

Local MP Tim Farron has branded the Conservative plans on heating oil a "slap in the face" for rural families in Cumbria as they offer off-grid homes just £100 extra help.

The average household on heating oil is facing a £1,200 increase in their heating costs, meaning the £100 help from the government will make little difference.

In Cumbria 27,127 homes use heating oil to keep their homes warm.

In the district of Eden, 6,836 homes rely on heating oil amounting to nearly 1 in 4 of all homes (24.9%).

Tim said: "This is a slap in the face for rural communities across the country. People in rural areas often face higher bills yet despite this the Conservatives are offering them less.

"The promise of only an extra £100 for people facing a £1,200 in just their heating bill alone shows that the Conservatives don't understand the needs of rural communities who cannot rely on the mains grid.

"These communities are sick of being taken for granted and this announcement is proof - if ever it was needed - that the Conservative Government does not understand or care about rural Britain."

"Liberal Democrats are calling for a price cap on heating oil to protect homes facing sky high bills this Winter."