Economic impact of war hits home as cost of living soars for Northumberland residents

Data from Citizens Advice Northumberland indicates a rise in concern, particularly in rural parts of the county.

Abi Conway, chief executive of Citizens Advice Northumberland, said: “We at Citizens Advice Northumberland have definitely recently been dealing with more queries, clients not understanding why oil prices have increased, and complaints about the cost of ordering a full tank of oil.

“And our year on year data identifies a distinct multi-year escalation in fuel-related inquiries within rural wards such as Alnwick, Amble, Bellingham, Wooler, Rothbury, and Bamburgh with a 1200% increase in unique cases recorded from 2022-23 compared to 2025-26.”

Politicians have also called for additional Government support for residents and businesses struggling to pay for heating and fuel.

In a letter to the Chancellor, Northumberland council leader Glen Sanderson says the recent surge in energy prices is causing ‘immediate and growing’ pressures, particularly in rural areas.

He said: “The effects of this conflict are being felt around the globe and are thoughts are with all those impacted.

“Even here in Northumberland, we have hundreds of households who are not connected to the electricity grid and thousands not on the gas grid, meaning these residents rely on oil to heat their homes.

“Oil prices have already risen sharply, in some cases by as much as 120%. And while prices at the fuel pumps have risen, nowhere near as much as heating oil and red diesel.

“As heating oil is not included in the Energy Price Cap, already disadvantaged rural residents are even more exposed to these increases.

“In addition, two of Northumberland’s key sectors, agriculture and fishing, are heavily reliant on ‘red diesel’ to operate and the impacts are already being felt. There is now a weeklong delay in red diesel availability, leaving many unable to afford it and unable to source the fuel they need to continue producing food for the nation.”

Cllr Sanderson said: “I am asking the Government for additional support for our residents and businesses, particularly in rural communities, during these extraordinary times.

“In the meantime, residents who are struggling with fuel cost increases and are having difficulties heating their homes, are encouraged to explore the help available through the council’s cost of living channels or The Energy Project, run by Citizens Advice Northumberland.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has raised the issue directly with Ministers, urging the Government to introduce proper protections, including stronger regulation of the heating oil and LPG market and options for an energy price cap similar to the one that already protects people using mains gas and electricity.

She said: “People in our rural communities are being hit hardest once again. These sudden price spikes are not fair, and they are not sustainable. I’m speaking up for North East residents and calling on the Government to act now because no one should be left struggling to heat their home due to a gap in national regulation.

“We need proper protections in place, and we need the powers and funding to fix cold homes for good.”