UK Extends Warm Home Discount to 6 Million Households

The UK government has expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme to include an additional 2.7 million households, raising the total number of eligible households to over six million for the upcoming winter. This change ensures every billpayer on means-tested benefits will qualify for a £150 discount on their energy bills, removing previous restrictions such as the requirement for high energy costs in England and Wales. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the extension is personal to him and aims to provide peace of mind and financial relief to families struggling with the cost of living. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the government's commitment to supporting families through this initiative as part of the broader Plan for Change. The scheme will automatically apply the discount to eligible bills, benefiting about 900,000 families with children and 1.8 million households in fuel poverty. While the expansion addresses immediate needs, some experts caution that the increase is modest compared to rising energy costs and call for longer-term solutions.