energy prices

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16 Mar 2026

Rising Heating Oil Costs Draw Westminster Attention

Rising heating oil costs highlighted in last week’s Rural Bulletin have continued to draw attention in Westminster, as ministers step up scrutiny of fuel pricing amid volatility linked to tensions...

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18 Nov 2025

IPPR Urges Government To Cut Energy And Food Bills

Ahead of the upcoming budget announcement, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published new proposals calling on the Government to launch an Australian-style “war on bills”, with a...

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20 Oct 2025

VAT On Energy – Don’t Forget Not Everyone Uses Gas!

An interview between Ed Miliband and Laura Kuenssberg shown on the BBC on Sunday discussed the importance of clean energy and alternatives to fossil fuel. As part of the discussion,...

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06 Oct 2025

Northern Powergrid Foundation Grants Open Until 13 October

The Northern Powergrid Foundation is inviting applications for grants to help village groups and community organisations become more energy resilient. The deadline for applications is Sunday 13 October 2025. Grants...

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06 Oct 2025

Rural Households Invited to Share Views on Energy and Water Use

Rural households are being encouraged to take part in important new research from Rural England CIC, working with the University of Leicester, on how people in rural areas experience and...

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31 Mar 2025

Addressing the Unique Challenge of Fuel Poverty in Rural Areas

In the latest fuel poverty update from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, a concerning pattern emerges in England’s rural communities. These areas are grappling with the highest...

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17 Feb 2025

Chartered Institute of Housing Conference South West

Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth was delighted to be invited to speak at the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference South West last week.  A busy two days of...

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11 Feb 2025

Government Unveils New Energy Efficiency Measures to Combat Fuel Poverty

The government has recently announced new measures under its accelerated Plan for Change. This initiative promises substantial benefits for households, particularly within the private rental sector, by targeting warmer homes...

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27 Aug 2024

Councils Face ‘Cliff-Edge’ as Household Support Fund Nears Expiration

As the end of September approaches, rural communities across the UK are bracing for the potential fallout from the expiration of the Household Support Fund (HSF). The Local Government Association...

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12 Aug 2024

Concerns Mount Over Proposed Changes to Winter Fuel Allowance

The proposed changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA), recently announced by the Chancellor, have sparked widespread concern, particularly among organisations dedicated to supporting older adults. The changes would see...

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