James Naish MP has welcomed the government’s expansion of support to help families through the cost-of-living crisis – easing pressure on household budgets and offering real help where it will be most needed this winter.
Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the Warm Homes Discount – in place for over a decade – will be significantly expanded, meaning all households on means-tested benefits will now qualify for £150 off their energy bills. This change will benefit 160,000 additional households in the East Midlands alone, and around 6.1 million households overall including 900,000 extra families with children.
The change has been welcomed by a range of charities and other bodies.
James said: “We all know that day-to-day cost pressures remain high despite wage growth recently being higher than inflation. We also know that high energy costs don’t impact only one part of society. I’m pleased that the government is taking steps to support lower-income households who pay a disproportionately large part of their income on energy.”
Around one in five households will now be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount, and at the recent Spending Review, the government announced £13.2 billion will be spent on its Warm Homes Plan which aims to make homes more energy-efficient and cheaper for people to heat.
James added: “The Warm Homes Discount isn’t just about short-term help – it’s about creating a fairer, more secure economy over the winter so residents can plan ahead with confidence.”
The policy forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change which aims to restore economic security and ensure support reaches those who need it most. The announcement follows a series of earlier measures including an increase in the National Minimum Wage, now delivering £1,400 more per year for low-income workers; an inflation-linked state pension increase in April; and a revised Winter Fuel Payment available to all pensioners earning £35,000 or less which will benefit 9 million pensioners.
To help reduce day-to-day costs for families, the government is also piloting free breakfast clubs across the country with one school in Rushcliffe – in Normanton-on-Soar – part of the pilot.
Ahead of the recent Spending Review, the government also announced its plan to roll-out free school meals to 500,000 extra children from September 2026 and to cap the cost of school uniform. Both measures are designed to save parents cash and put children in the best position to learn.
James concluded: “Most people accept that there is a lot for the government to do and changes won’t happen overnight. But this winter, thousands of families across Nottinghamshire will feel the difference which is positive. I want everybody to feel better off, more secure and to be able to look to the future with confidence.”
