Many local residents have contacted me with concerns about the rising cost of heating oil, following a recent spike in prices linked to the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
Across East Hampshire, lots of households rely on heating oil rather than mains gas, and in recent weeks some have seen their costs increase significantly.
I recently met with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Energy Minister, alongside a group of fellow rural MPs, to raise the impact these price rises are having on rural communities.
Ministers confirmed that there is no current shortage of supply, but explained that increased demand has been driving prices higher. The follow up letter from the ministers can be found below.
I also spoke to the BBC following the meeting with the ministers about the impact on households locally. You can read the coverage here: Heating oil customers see orders cancelled and prices hiked - BBC News
The Government has since announced support for the most vulnerable households. If you live in East Hampshire and need help with your heating oil costs, visit: Household Support Fund | Children and Families | Hampshire County Council