Many residents who rely on heating oil have contacted me concerned by the increase in prices following events in the Middle East.

We live in an area of the UK with one of the highest number of households that rely on alternative sources of fuel, with approximately 40% of properties in our rural villages off the gas grid.

There are several things the Government is doing to help, including providing a £53m emergency support fund which will provide targeted support for low-income households and rural areas. The money will be distributed via local councils. We’ve also instructed the Competition and Markets Authority to monitor prices to protect customers from price gouging.

I have spoken to Goff, one of the principal suppliers of heating oil locally, and have been assured that they will honour the original prices quoted to customers who placed orders on 28 February, 1 or 2 March at the start of hostilities.

I am especially concerned that the residents who will be disproportionately hit by price hikes are those in council homes in poorer areas, which is why the Government’s initiative to retrofit these homes with heat pumps, to end the reliance on heating oil, is so important. In addition, the Government recently announced that developers will be required to install solar panels and heat pumps in all new homes in England to boost our domestic energy security.

My next Meet Your MP event will be held in Sapiston on 14 May. If you’d like to come along the event is free and open to all. The event will take place from 6-7pm at Honington & Sapiston Village Hall, Bardwell Road, Sapiston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1RU.

I am pleased that a decision has been reached on the reorganisation of local government in Suffolk following extensive consultation. Three unitary councils that provide all services, from bin collections to social care, will replace the current patchwork of county and district councils, saving tax-payers money and removing confusion and duplication. Each authority will cover a population of about 250,000 with approximately 60 councillors who will take over responsibilities from May 2028 after a transition period following next May’s elections.

Subject to final changes Stowmarket will be covered by the new East Suffolk unitary authority.

Email Address: peter.prinsley.mp@parliament.uk