Durham Dales charity urges people not to turn their heating off

Charities are urging people not to turn their heating off as the war in Iran continues to inflate energy prices. About 30% of homes in Northumberland and Cumbria, and 20% in County Durham, do not have mains gas and use heating fuels such as LPG or oil, which have more than doubled in price in a month. Manager of Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) Emma Spry said: "Up here in spring we can still get freezing temperatures, snow and blizzards, so it's so important people keep their homes warm." The government said it had acted "quickly and decisively" to support households at risk. People have already reported feeling the need to reduce the number of hours they put the heating on to cope with rising costs. Spry said: "People who live in rural areas already face higher costs because food is more expensive and they have to drive further to buy it." UTASS, which is based in Middleton-in-Teesdale, was set up 25 years ago to offer support to rural communities across the Durham Dales. Among its services is an oil-buying scheme which helps people get cheaper oil by ordering in bulk. "There are lots of cooperatives, it's worth asking your supplier if there is one in your regi