Rural households and farmers are facing an “immediate and serious affordability challenge” as fuel and heating costs surge, a Devon councillor has warned in a letter to the Chancellor.
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, urging the Government to take urgent action to support rural communities facing sharp rises in energy and fuel costs.
The cabinet member for rural affairs at Devon County Council said escalating global tensions had triggered volatility in energy markets, with residents already reporting dramatic increases in household heating costs.
In her letter, dated Saturday, March 14, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin said some Devon households had reported heating oil prices more than doubling in a matter of days.
She wrote: “In recent days, the escalation of conflict involving Iran has caused severe volatility in global energy markets, and the consequences are already being felt acutely in rural communities.
“In some cases heating oil prices reported by Devon residents have more than doubled within a matter of days, leaving many households facing the prospect of unaffordable heating bills just as they prepare to refill their tanks.”
Cllr Cottle-Hunkin warned that similar increases were being reported in LPG, red diesel, fertiliser and road fuel, which are all vital for rural households and agricultural businesses.
She said: “These costs are fundamental to both daily life and agricultural production in rural areas, and the pace of the increases is deeply alarming for households and businesses alike.”
Devon’s rural geography means many homes are not connected to the mains gas network and instead rely on alternative fuels.
Cllr Cottle-Hunkin wrote: “Around half of Devon’s residents live in rural communities, often spread across small towns, villages and isolated settlements.
“There are around 41,000 households in Devon that rely on heating oil as their primary source of heating, with many thousands more dependent on other off grid fuels.”
She added that households reliant on heating oil are not protected by Ofgem’s energy price cap, leaving them particularly exposed to sudden increases in global fuel prices.
“For many families, particularly older residents and those on fixed or modest incomes, the sudden spike in heating oil prices presents an immediate and serious affordability challenge,” she said.
The councillor also highlighted the impact rising fuel prices could have on agriculture and rural businesses.
She wrote: “Red diesel and fertiliser are essential to agricultural operations, and the sharp escalation in prices threatens farm viability, food production and the resilience of the rural economy.
“Devon’s farming sector plays a vital role not only in the county’s economy but also in the nation’s food security.”
Transport pressures were also identified as a major issue in rural areas.
“In rural Devon many households must rely on private vehicles simply to reach work, education or healthcare,” she wrote.
“Low income rural households can spend up to a quarter of their disposable income running a car due to the lack of viable public transport alternatives.
“When fuel prices rise rapidly, the impact on rural families is therefore immediate and unavoidable.”
Cllr Cottle-Hunkin urged ministers to introduce targeted support for rural communities.
She wrote: “Without swift intervention, many households and rural and farming businesses will face extremely difficult choices in the weeks ahead.
“Targeted relief for households relying on heating oil and support for farmers and rural businesses facing exceptional input price increases must be considered urgently.”
The councillor added that rural communities make a significant contribution to the national economy and food security.
“It is therefore crucial that central government acts swiftly to ensure rural residents and businesses are not left behind during this crisis,” she said.
