MILLIONS of families will receive cheaper energy bills as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to win over voters.
Ministers are extending the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households until the end of the decade.
It is part of a £15 billion splurge that includes free solar panels as the PM hedges his bets on fighting the cost of living.
But it comes as the average annual water bill rises by £33 despite Britain’s rivers being pumped with sewage.
Water bills across England and Wales will reach a staggering £639 due to an inflation-busting 5.4 per cent rise in April.
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “What the Government isn’t telling you is this discount for some families, is paid for by everyone else through their energy bills.”
Most families will see no benefit from this announcement, but despite Ed Miliband promising families he would cut their bills by £300, they are seeing their bills soar thanks to Labour’s policies.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Tackling the affordability crisis is the government’s number one priority.
“That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade.
“That will give families much-needed peace of mind that they will continue to receive vital support, as we take action to bring down bills for good.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously confirmed that eligibility letters for the Warm Home Discount had begun landing on doorsteps from October 20 last year.
In a recent change 2.7million households, including 900,000 families with children, received the £150 rebate, bringing total eligible homes to six million.
However, to be eligible for the discount, households need to have been claiming one of seven means-tested benefits on a specific date – August 24, 2025:
Households in England and Wales don’t have to apply to get the cash and receive it automatically.
Eligible households will have received a letter between October 2025 and early January 2026 telling you:
- You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
- You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
- The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 27 February 2026 to confirm your details.
If you don’t get the letter by early January 2026 and you think you’re eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2026.
The Warm Home Discount is available no matter who your energy provider is.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
