‘Tip of the iceberg’: Leeds residents have their say on the government’s winter fuel support

Chancellor John Healey’s budget confirmed support for energy bills this winter - but is it enough? We asked people in Leeds to share their thoughts.

The payment is set to provide 20 million homes across the country with £100 to try and mitigate the incoming rise in the average annual bill, which is predicted to rise by £276 in January.

Experts say that the increase in the energy price cap will incur around £100 of extra cost over a three-month period, which this support from the government will cover.

Maxine Asso, from Cookridge, was asked whether she thought the support would be enough.

“I don’t really, because they’re looking at banding.

“People like myself, you can’t help where you’ve lived all of your life, such as Pat as well, and she’ll miss out.”

Accompanied by Maxine was Pat Cowey, who agreed: “Not really, because as normal, I’m missing out.”

Qualifying households that have paid their Council Tax by Direct Debit will receive the payment automatically from January 2027.

Steve Whalen from Castleford added: “Tip of the iceberg, I think.

“I think the thing that will frustrate most people is how it only comes across the A-D bracket.

“It should have been all or nothing really - it just creates conflict, doesn’t it?”

Jan and Sandy Baird noted that more people are conscious of putting their heating on with the cap increase in the offing.

“I’m not sure about the people who fall outside that payment.

“We’re newly-retired and we certainly think about putting on the heating now when we shouldn’t.”

The Chancellor’s Office confirmed that the additional support will be funded by a surcharge on corporation tax for banks, which will increase in January 2027.