Thousands of households can get free electric blankets and microwaves under new £1million fund - how to apply

The Fund will be delivered through a network of charity partners including Citizens Advice, Groundwork and Act on Energy.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of Cadent Foundation, confirmed the ambitious target: "We are hoping to reach up to 10,000 households this year.

"This is an annual fund which aims to support those most in need throughout the year, sitting alongside our other initiatives to help people living in fuel poverty."

The Cadent Foundation's research found nearly half of respondents – 46 per cent – reported feeling genuinely anxious about their energy costs, whilst more than a third stated that rising bills are having a detrimental effect on every aspect of their daily lives.

The survey also found that 36 per cent of people feel completely helpless when it comes to cutting their energy expenditure.

For those in vulnerable circumstances, the picture appears even bleaker. More than three quarters of respondents – 78 per cent – believe that keeping warm has become a luxury item for some families.

Meanwhile, 73 per cent expressed concern that their homes could go cold this winter because heating costs have become unaffordable.

To deal with these pressure's, the Cadent Foundation has announced a new £1million fund for households living in vulnerable situations, to help people struggling with their energy bills keep warm and safe all year round

To qualify for the Warm Fund, households must meet specific criteria established by the foundation.

Applicants need to have an annual income below £31,000 and be in receipt of certain benefits, including pension credit, universal credit, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, housing benefit or tax credits.

The packages include:

• Energy efficiency bundle – including LED lightbulbs, radiator foils, smart plugs and draught excluders
• Winter warmer bundle – including blankets, hats, scarf, electric hot water bottle
• Small items – including energy voucher, food voucher, dehumidifier, heated airers and heated blankets
• Larger appliances – including washing machines, cooker, fridge-freezer and microwave through select partners

Charity organisations distributing the fund include Act on Energy, Blackpool Coastal Housing, Care Network, Citizens Advice, Groundwork and Housing Plus Group.

The scheme is specifically designed for people residing in low-income households with energy-inefficient properties.

Ms Blythe explained that households can expect to receive approximately £100 worth of assistance on average, though this varies based on individual circumstances and assessments conducted by charity partners.

She said: "There are a number of levels of support for people living in fuel poverty, which include an energy efficiency bundle, a winter warmer bundle and small items, such as dehumidifier, food vouchers and heated airers.

"On average, we anticipate each household could receive around £100 worth of support, but this is dependent on their circumstances and the outcome of the face to face discussions with our charity partners."

The fund has been structured to allow charity partners immediate access to resources for eligible applicants.

She explained that the energy-saving items can make a genuine difference to household budgets, noting that heated blankets cost roughly 3p per hour to run.

She continued: "If it means that you can reduce how often you heat your entire home, it can make a good saving.

"As for dehumidifiers, we again know that they can help with removing excess moisture, reducing allergens and making washing dry quicker.

"This again can help reduce the amount of time needed to use your heating."

For families who might hesitate to seek assistance, Ms Blythe offered reassurance: "We know that a perceived embarrassment can often stop people asking for help, but reaching out for support is so important because you're not alone."

She emphasised that charity partners possess knowledge of various support schemes beyond the Warm Fund, urging anyone struggling to make contact.

"Our advice is always to reach out if you are struggling as there is support out there that our partners should be able to help you access."