ALMOST three million more households – including 250,000 additional families in the East of England – will receive support to help pay their energy bills next winter, as the Labour government sets out further action to ease the cost of living for families nationwide.

The Labour government is acting to support households in Harlow by expanding the Warm Home Discount, which provides £150 off winter energy bills for eligible families. Under the proposed changes, a total of 6.1 million households would receive the discount next winter — up from 3.4 million currently.

Alongside this, Labour has committed to accelerating a national energy debt relief scheme, helping households trapped in energy arrears to reduce their costs and get back on track.

Chris Vince, Labour MP for Harlow, commented:
“Labour’s announcement today will make a real and lasting difference to families across Harlow and our surrounding villages. Too many people here have faced spiralling energy bills and uncertainty about the future, this plan offers them hope and stability.

“Labour is committed to ending our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and building a secure, homegrown energy system that protects working people from future price shocks.

“Through our mission for clean power and the practical support announced today, this Labour government is taking real steps to bring down energy bills and put money back into the pockets of hardworking families in Harlow.”

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 do not 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.

“Labour is also accelerating proposals to introduce a debt relief scheme, which would target unsustainable debt built up by households in Harlow during the energy crisis.

“This would help to cut the costs of servicing bad debt, which currently contributes to higher bills for all billpayers.

“This additional support for households across the East of England complements the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good.”