Political opinion: Laura Kyrke-Smith MP welcomes extra energy bill support for 350,000 more families across the South East
Almost three million more households, including 350,000 more families in the South East, will get support to pay their energy bills next winter, as the Labour government confirms additional cost of living support for families across the country.
Labour is acting to protect families in Aylesbury constituency by bringing forward plans to expand the Warm Home Discount, giving eligible households £150 off their energy bills.
This would bring a total of nearly 2.7 million households into the scheme across the country – pushing the total number of households that would receive the discount next winter up to an estimated 6.1 million.
Laura Kyrke-Smith, MP for Aylesbury and the villages, said: “This announcement from Labour will make a real difference to families in Aylesbury constituency.
“Labour is determined to secure our energy system, protect it from the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets and give working people the security they deserve.
“Through our mission for clean power, and the support announced today, this Labour government is putting money back in the pockets of working people.”
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 have no 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.”
Labour is also accelerating proposals to introduce a debt relief scheme, which would target unsustainable debt built up by households in Aylesbury constituency 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 Buckinghamshire complements the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good.