Thousands of residents across Derbyshire, including dozens on the Highbury estate in Chesterfield, who use off-grid fuel, like LPG or heating oil, have still not received the financial support promised by the Government. Now Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, has taken up the fight to get them what they are entitled to.

Customers who rely on alternative fuels have seen massive increases in their energy costs but have so far not received any help towards paying for oil and gas. Off-grid fuel is not covered by the energy price cap and has to be paid for upfront. Families are struggling to heat their homes and feel abandoned by the government.

The Government had initially promised £100 in support last year, but no payment was received. They have since announced a £200 payment to be paid this month, but there is still no clarity on how this will be paid.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, said “I have been pursuing this on behalf of residents on the Highbury estate for several months. I welcomed the announcement of the £200 payment, but as far as I can tell there is no plan for how the Government will identify customers who use off-grid fuel so they can receive the money. This is a complete shambles and is leaving people without the support they need during winter.”

Toby has now raised questions in Parliament to the Secretary of State for Energy in an attempt to ensure his constituents receive the support they need immediately.