Millions of UK households could save £150 on their energy bills next winter as discounts have been extended to help more people with their fuel costs.
The total number of households eligible for the warm home discount is now just over six million, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed.
Some 900,000 families with children and 1.8 million homes in fuel poverty are set to benefit from the payment, which will span across 2.7 million more households.
The changes remove some restrictions on eligibility and mean every bill payer on means-tested benefits will qualify.
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.
"I have no doubt that, like rolling out free school meals, breakfast clubs and childcare support, extending this £150 energy bills support to millions more families will make a real difference."
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.
The Conservatives criticised the move, saying energy prices are expected to keep climbing overall.
Andrew Bowie, the acting shadow energy secretary, said: "Labour promised to cut everyone's energy bills by £300 but they have increased by £280 and are forecast to keep going up.
"Energy bills need to come down but this announcement will cut bills for just a quarter of households whilst increasing them for everyone else.
"Kemi Badenoch and I have been clear that net zero by 2050 is impossible without bankrupting Britain and making hard-working families worse off."
