New £50 weekly fuel support for working families as petrol prices soar

The Government has unveiled a new fuel support package to help struggling families with rising petrol costs. Starting from 7 April, eligible households will receive weekly payments of up to £50. The scheme aims to ease financial pressure as fuel prices remain high across the country.

Around 143,000 households will qualify for the full £50 weekly payment. A further 14,000 will receive a reduced rate. To be eligible, working families must meet specific criteria: couples must work at least 30 hours combined per week, while single parents need to work 20 hours. Those already receiving a main benefit will not qualify.

The payments will continue until petrol prices for 91 octane drop below £3 per litre for four straight weeks—or until a year has passed, whichever comes first. The total cost of the package is estimated at up to £373 million, funded from the Budget 2026 operating allowance. Economists have given mixed reactions. Shamubeel Eaqub from Simplicity called the policy surprisingly generous, noting that average weekly fuel spending was £65 before recent price hikes. Brad Olsen of Infometrics warned that while the payments might boost GST revenue, they could also reduce spending on other essential goods and services. Critics, however, argue the package leaves out vulnerable groups. Isaac Gunson from the Child Poverty Action Group pointed out that families relying on benefits—including an estimated 250,000 children—will receive no support under the scheme.

The fuel support package will roll out from early April, targeting working families hit hardest by high petrol prices. Payments will stop once fuel costs stabilise or after 12 months. The Government has not yet provided details on how many households with children currently receive main benefits.