HOUSEHOLDS across the UK can expect support of at least £400 on their energy bills later this year, as Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a raft of measures to combat the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Sunak took to the House of Commons on Thursday (May 26) to announce his cost-of-living plan.

Within the proposal, an 'energy profits levy' has been announced, a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas companies.

Read more: North East homeowners react to Rishi's cost of living announcement

Alongside the plan, eight million households on the lowest incomes are to get a one-off payment of £650, while all households can expect £400 for help on their energy bills.

In addition, eight million pensioners will get an extra £300, and a one-off disability cost of living payment of £150 will be brought in.

While the announcement was a welcome measure for many – questions have been asked about when homeowners and ‘everyday people’ can expect the benefits to come into place.

In short, Mr Sunak revealed that households will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills from October, while eight million most vulnerable households will receive at least £1,200 of extra support this year, including the £150 council tax rebate that many families received last month.

The Northern Echo: Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO. (Image: PA MEDIA)

Announcing the measures, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “We know that people are facing challenges with the cost of living and that is why today I’m stepping in with further support to help with rising energy bills.

“We have a collective responsibility to help those who are paying the highest price for the high inflation we face.

“That is why I’m targeting this significant support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society. I said we would stand by people and that is what this support does today.”

Locally, Durham County Council has confirmed that they will help residents in any way they can, but are still awaiting further details from central government about the funding.

The Northern Echo: Homeowners will get £400 to help with their energy bills. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Homeowners will get £400 to help with their energy bills. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO. (Image: PA MEDIA)

Mary Readman, Durham County Council’s head of transactional and customer services, said: “We are sure the announcement of relief measures will be welcomed by residents and await further information from government on how these will be delivered.

“Where we are asked to deliver schemes, we do so promptly and efficiently to make sure residents benefit as quickly as possible and we are committed to this continuing.

“We also offer a range of measures to support residents financially, details of which can be found online at www.durham.gov.uk/helpwithyourmoney.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054