• 280,000 more families in the North West will receive £150 off their energy bills through the Warm Home Discount
• One in five families across Britain will get help with their bills, providing households in Manchester Withington with vital support
• Letters confirming eligibility for this winter are beginning to arrive for families across the area

Around 280,000 extra households in the North West will see their energy bills cut by £150 as a result of the Labour Government’s expansion of the Warm Home Discount.

Thousands of families in the North West are beginning to receive letters detailing their eligibility, as Labour expands vital cost of living support to all billpayers on a means-tested benefit.

Labour is acting to protect families across the country, bringing nearly 2.7 million additional households into the scheme – pushing the total number of households receiving the discount up to an estimated 6.1 million.

Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington said:

“This vital support will make a real difference to families in Manchester Withington struggling with the cost of living.

“Labour is determined to secure our energy system and protect households from energy bills that are still too high.

“The expanded Warm Homes Discount will provide essential support to families in our area this winter.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“Letters will be dropping on doormats across the country this week, containing welcome news for hundreds of thousands of families.

“This Government is determined to tackle energy affordability for families, and this winter more people will be helped as a result.

“I would urge anyone who doesn’t automatically qualify for the discount to get in touch with their supplier, so they get the money they are entitled to.”