This expansion will particularly benefit 900,000 families with children and 1.8 million households currently experiencing fuel poverty, as confirmed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The total number of households eligible for the Warm Home Discount has now surpassed six million, reflecting the government's broader strategy to support those in need.

The UK government has announced an expansion of the Warm Home Discount, with around two million additional people set to receive the £150 payment this winter, bringing the total recipients to approximately six million.

Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount has broadened, now including individuals receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit or those on a low income, while removing the previous requirement of having high energy costs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the initiative's significance in supporting families struggling with living costs, likening it to other social support measures such as free school meals.

As energy prices decline, Ofgem's energy price cap will drop by 7 percent from July to September, reducing the average annual bill from £1,849 to £1,720.

However, the Conservative Party criticized the announcement, arguing that while some households will benefit, overall energy prices are expected to rise, leading to increased costs for many others.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reiterated the government's commitment to alleviating the cost of living crisis for millions of families through this initiative.

Energy providers are mandated to automatically apply the discount to eligible customers, eliminating the need for a separate application.

In addition to the Warm Home Discount, changes to the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners now allow all pensioners with a taxable income below £35,000 to receive assistance, reversing previous restrictions.

The extension of energy bill discounts to an additional 2.7 million households is expected to save them £150 next winter.

Acting shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie highlighted that Labour's promise of cutting energy bills has not materialized, as overall bills have actually increased.