The Government is considering "targeted" cost-of-living support for households this winter, a senior minister has confirmed, as energy bills are set to rise by 4% on average from October.
Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said measures were being examined to help some of the poorest families with living costs, piling further pressure on households ahead of the expensive winter period.
Targeted support under consideration
Ms Fahnbulleh told the BBC: "We've got the Warm Home Discount. That is a £150 discount that goes to families who are under the most amount of pressure. So six million families will get that this winter."
She added: "But we are looking at what targeted support looks like for households that are under pressure."
This support would be in addition to annual schemes such as Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners and the Warm Home Discount, which already provide financial relief to eligible households.
Andy Burnham's VAT cut on energy bills
Andy Burnham has already announced a VAT cut on energy bills, which will reduce costs by around £45 a year. While this has been welcomed, it amounts to less than £1 a week, with pressure mounting on the Government to do more to help the worst-off households.
Ms Fahnbulleh emphasised the scale of the challenge, stating: "Energy is unaffordable for all households and we know that. And so we've got to take action that drives down bills for everyone."
Vulnerable households in focus
The energy minister acknowledged that certain groups face particular difficulties: "But we also know there will be a sub set of households that are particularly exposed, who are particularly vulnerable. And we need to make sure that we're providing the right amount of support for them to get bills down."
She added that support would include not only bill assistance but also "critically, things like upgrading people's homes."
Ms Fahnbulleh concluded: "We will do what need and have to to protect families."
The confirmation comes as households across the country prepare for the October price rise, with campaigners and politicians urging further action to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable.
