Liberal Democrats: Conservative offer on heating oil a “slap in the face” as households in Leicestershire face £8,933,679 increase to bills

The Liberal Democrats have branded the Conservative plans on heating oil a "slap in the face" for rural families in Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 8,123 homes use heating oil to keep their homes warm. It means families in Leicestershire on heating oil are facing a total increase of £8,933,679 to the cost of their heating, even including the £100 help from the government.

"People in Leicestershire are facing unprecedented hikes in their energy bills, while those who use heating oil are being forgotten.

"8,123 homes are facing a £8,933,679 increase in their bills and the Conservatives have offered them just £100 to help.

"Once again rural homes are being forgotten by the Conservatives."

Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson 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 hike 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."