Rise in Isle of Man fuel subsides
The Isle of Man has seen a 23% rise in the number of people claiming fuel subsidies during the past five years, according to official statistics.
The award, called the Winter Bonus, is given to those on benefits to help meet the cost of heating bills.
The number of households claiming the allowance rose from 1,817 in the winter of 2004-2005 to 2,227 in 2010-2011.
The overall Winter allowance has increase from £200 to £300 (50%) since the the earlier figures were recorded.
The government statistics were presented at a sitting of the House of Keys on 31 January.