09/06/2026 - Permalink

Residents urged to apply for heating oil support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund

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Shropshire Council and Community Resource are encouraging residents who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes to apply for support with heating oil through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. The fund is funded by the UK Government and administered locally by Shropshire Council alongside partners, including support for heating oil delivered through Community Resource. 

Community Resource is a charity that supports people to access help, stay independent and remain connected, while strengthening the communities around them and supporting vital local services. Its work responds to challenges such as rising living costs and the additional barriers faced by rural communities.

The additional heating oil support is designed to help low-income households in a county where many homes are off the mains gas grid and rely on oil to stay warm and heat water. Shropshire Council has confirmed that residents can now apply for this help as part of the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, which provides practical support to people facing financial hardship and essential living costs. 

Many Shropshire homes are off the mains gas grid and rely on oil to stay warm and heat water. (Image: Canva.)

In March, the UK Government announced targeted support for low-income households affected by rising heating oil prices, with funding in England delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Shropshire Council has said the local area will receive more than £750,000 to help households that rely on heating oil. 

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:  

“We know that for many people in our rural communities, heating oil is not a choice but a necessity, and recent price rises have created real pressure on household budgets. This support will help residents who are struggling with the upfront cost of topping up their tanks, while making sure they can also access wider advice and support to improve their resilience. 

“I’d also like to encourage residents to get in touch via our website or give us a ring for more help with the cost of living.  There really is a wide range of support for people. If you need help with Council Tax, benefits, Blue Badges, and money worries generally, we really are there for you. Many people don’t know what help they’re eligible for. So please get in touch – you’re not alone.” 

Support is available to eligible residents through the heating oil support scheme on the Shropshire Council cost of living webpages or by ringing 0345 678 9012 (option 0) – lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. 

Households in urgent need may be prioritised, and residents who are not in immediate crisis may also be referred to Community Resource for additional help, including advice and access to its community energy groups, which help people save money through collective buying. 

Beverley Baxter, Chief Executive of Community Resource, added:  

“We know many households are still facing real pressure from the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to heating their homes. This funding is there to help people who are struggling most, with those in urgent need prioritised for support.” 

“For those who may not be in immediate crisis, we can also offer wider range of support through Community Resource, including advice, access to our community energy groups, and support with energy efficiency measures. These approaches can help people reduce their costs longer term, including through collective buying and making homes more energy efficient.” 

The heating oil scheme forms part of the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, through which Shropshire Council is working with local partners to provide support with a range of essential living costs. Residents can also find broader cost of living help from the council, including advice on benefits, budgeting, debt, energy and other practical support to help households manage ongoing pressures. 

People are urged to visit the website:

Residents who cannot access the website may call 0345 678 9012 (Option 0) (lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday). 

Residents can talk face to face and apply with the help of our trained advisors at one of our Shropshire Local hubs in Shrewsbury & Ludlow, or out and about as part of Shropshire Local Mobile: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council