Norfolk has the highest proportion of heating oil-dependent households in the UK, leaving a significant number of residents exposed to sharp price increases triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cllr Brian Watkins raised the issue at the full council meeting on 24 March, noting that while one supplier had agreed to honour orders placed during the first three days of the conflict at the original price and refund the difference, more action was needed to protect residents from ongoing volatility.

Leader Kay Mason Billig acknowledged the severity of the situation, confirming that national government had offered some funding to help with heating oil costs — but said the amount fell well short of what was needed. If distributed to every Norfolk household with a heating tank, the funding would offset costs by only around £35 per head.

The council is now examining whether the Household Support Fund could be used to provide additional help to those struggling with bills. However, the Leader said there was currently a lack of detail around the government scheme, making it difficult to plan a response.

Mason Billig also used the debate to argue that the crisis underlined the need for the UK to reduce its dependence on overseas energy and to reconsider policy on North Sea oil and gas extraction.