How will John Healey’s energy support package affect you?

The government’s biggest bet on offering “breathing space” to struggling households this winter is a one-off payment of £100 in January for 20m households in council tax bands A to D. It is also the measure most likely to deliver real benefit for those in need.

The £2.6bn “household energy payment” will go directly into bank accounts to “take the pressure off in the coldest months and see people through to the spring”, according to Healey.

Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said households could face a 25% cost increase from January and shouldn’t expect to feel better off than they do today.