Written Statement: Support with heating fuel costs (31 March 2026)

I am issuing this statement during recess to update Members on the support being made available to those who will struggle to meet the additional cost to heat their homes over the coming months.

People on low incomes who use heating oil or liquid petroleum gas will be eligible for a one-off £200 payment if they are on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. This funding comes from £3.8 million allocated to Wales by the UK Government, announced on 16 March. Local authorities will contact eligible households directly and invite them to apply. People will need to confirm their heating fuel type and provide bank details, with payments made directly into bank accounts. There are six months from the scheme's launch to claim.

Those in severe financial hardship who do not qualify can apply to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). We moved at pace to make changes to the DAF in response to the emerging situation, while we developed the scheme being launched today. As I announced on 18 March, the maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750, and people can now apply up to twice in a 12-month period.

The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices. The scheme being announced today will provide immediate extra help for those in greatest need.