23.12.11
MP calls for early ordering of heating oil
A Scottish MP has called upon the government to deliver Winter Fuel Payments to rural homeowners earlier next year in order to allow them to stock up on heating oil.
MP for Angus, Mike Weir, said that he was concerned for those living in the most rural regions who rely on heating oil to heat their homes. He explained, "Many constituents in Angus faced very serious difficulties last winter when the severe weather hit early and many could not get fresh supplies.”
The snowy weather that covered much of the countryside in Scotland early last winter caused some problems for people who had not stocked up on heating oil in advance. However, Scottish Fuels depots based throughout Scotland, offer a Planned Delivery service, which aims to help prevent people running low on heating oil as deliveries are made automatically without the need to call to place an order.
Alongside these kinds of useful services, the Scottish government is also working with communities to try to promote early ordering of heating oil, as well as the checking of oil boilers and tanks to ensure they are in good condition for the start of the coldest winter weather. 
