A BARNSLEY MP has spoken out in Parliament after a resident’s energy bill almost trebled in a matter of months.

Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ensure households most in need can access government support for heating oil costs.

She also stressed the urgent need to improve the regulation of the oil industry to bring down the cost of energy bills.

Marie said: “My constituent told me that since December the cost of her heating oil has nearly tripled, from £257 to £700.

“Local farmers I met last week also raised their concerns that the oil industry has not been properly regulated, disadvantaging off-grid customers.

“While I welcome the government’s £53m support package for rural communities, will the Prime Minister confirm how disabled people, vulnerable people and low-income households can access this support, and how he will improve regulation of oil to bring down the cost of energy bills?”

In response to Marie’s question, the Prime Minister confirmed: “My first instinct is always to protect people from the cost of living.

“The immediate action we have taken, in relation to those who heat their homes with oil, is the £53m that we announced this week.

“That is particularly important for rural communities.

“De-escalation in the Middle East is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living.

Anyone who advocated for the UK to rush head-long into the offensive, without a clear picture of what it would mean for our forces, or without thinking through the economic impact for families, should stand up and apologise.”