Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that approximately six million households will receive a £150 bonus through an extension of the Warm Home Discount (WHD). The discount, which knocks £150 off energy bills, is designed to support the most vulnerable households during the coldest months.
Eligibility Expansion
The changes to the WHD rules, recently confirmed by Starmer, will roughly double the number of people who qualify. Under the previous rules, only some Universal Credit claimants were eligible. Now, everyone on Universal Credit will receive the discount. Additionally, some of the poorest pensioners, as well as those on other benefits like Housing Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), will also qualify.
How the Discount Works
The £150 is applied by energy suppliers between November and January in most cases, around the busy Christmas period. The discount is awarded as energy credit or a top-up voucher, depending on how customers pay their bills. This help will be welcomed by many struggling families, as energy bills are set to rise again from July, with the typical household paying £221 more a year, increasing pressure heading towards winter.
Prime Minister's Statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier this year, referencing the WHD: "We're taking £150 off energy bills. That's £300 for the six million poorest families. That's the difference a Labour Government makes."
