The Labour Government has announced a significant expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme, providing £150 energy bill cuts to more than six million households this winter.
This move represents an increase of 2.7 million households compared to previous years with the expanded programme removes earlier restrictions that prevented many vulnerable families from accessing support.
All households receiving means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will now qualify for the discount, ensuring broader coverage for those struggling with energy costs.
The scheme will particularly benefit 900,000 additional families with children and reach 1.8 million households experiencing fuel poverty.
The Government has outlined more details regarding its Warm Home Discount expansion
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Every household on means-tested benefitsEvery household on means-tested benefits will now qualify for the discount, addressing previous gaps in coverage that left many struggling families without support.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "I know families are still struggling with the cost of living, and I know the fear that comes with not being able to afford your next bill.
"Providing security and peace of mind for working people is deeply personal to me as Prime Minister and foundational for the Plan for Change."
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Millions of families will get vital support with the cost of living this coming winter, demonstrating this Government's commitment to put money in people's pockets through our Plan for Change."
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Ed Miliband has praised the Government's Plan for Change
PAHe added that the expansion means families can plan for winter with certainty and peace of mind and will be funded through efficiency savings across the energy system.
This includes reductions in Ofgem's operating cost allowance and reforms to address consumer debt accumulated during the 2022-24 energy crisis.
According to the Government, reform to the Winter Fuel Discount will offset the cost of extending support to millions more British households.
National Energy Action's chief executive Adam Scorer welcomed the the Government's decision to expand the scheme to more vulnerable families.
He said: "It's hugely positive that across Great Britain, all low-income households on means-tested benefits will get some direct support to tackle unaffordable bills and record energy debts this winter."
However, he cautioned that the £10 increase since energy bills rose by £500 annually was insufficient, calling for "a longer-term plan for providing deeper support in future for people who cannot afford a warm and healthy home".
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The Government has committed to more energy bill support GETTY Simon Francis, the coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, added: "Expanding the Warm Home Discount is a welcome step that will help more households this winter.
"But the scheme still leaves out some of those most at risk, including people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and those on non-means tested benefits who often face the highest energy costs.
"With bills still hundreds of pounds higher than in 2020, millions will continue to face unaffordable energy and cold, damp homes this winter.
"Alongside the energy efficiency investment announced in the Spending Review, the government must commit to a permanent social tariff and reform energy pricing to ensure every household can benefit from cheap renewable energy."
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