Jonathan Edwards MP has criticised the government for the 'inadequate support' available for households relying on oil, LPG and wood pellets to heat their homes.

In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, the UK government is making £200 available to those off grid.

The MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr said: “As a Member of Parliament who represents a constituency where a large proportion of households are off-grid, I am very concerned regarding the lack of support available to them.

“The one-off £200 payment is totally inadequate for two winters and I am calling on the government to offer the equivalent support of the Minimum Price Guarantee which will run until April 2024.

“This is yet another attack on rural communities who are already struggling with rising household bills.

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“There is a legitimate debate about the level the Energy Price Guarantee should be set and whether an annual bill of £2,500 up to April 2023 and £3000 between April 2023-2024 is affordable for people.

“However, the Price Guarantee offers a semblance of stability for those who heat their homes via mains gas.

“There is no way of knowing what the price of heating oil will be next week let alone next winter and a one-off payment of only £200 doesn't seem to me to be particularly fair.

"I will be pressing Ministers on ensuring the AFP is equitable this winter and the next."