STRUGGLING families were assured last night that a rescue package was on the way to help meet their record high energy bills.
They will today find out that average bills are expected to hit at least £3,500 a year — with government sources insisting help is coming “as soon as possible”.
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Ministers are under pressure to offer radical support such as the schemes used during the pandemic.
Proposals are being lined up to allow either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak to make quick decisions to help deal with the crisis when they become PM.
A Treasury source told The Sun: “This will mean the incoming Prime Minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most.
“Putin is driving up gas prices to inflict as much pain as he can on the British people, in revenge for our steadfast support of Ukraine. We can’t let him use energy to divide us.”
Six in ten voters want targeted support for households hit by not just energy costs but also by rises in essentials such as food and water, a poll by Public First shows.
If she becomes Prime Minister, front-runner Ms Truss will hold a fiscal event next month where measures will include reversing the National Insurance increase.
She also spelt out how she would boost energy supplies and then see “what else needs to be done”.
Support this autumn already includes £400 off energy bills, a second tranche of a £650 payment for vulnerable households and £300 for all pensioners.
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Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer demanded the Government implemented his plan to freeze bills at the current level.
But Labour’s plan was hanging by a thread last night as independent fact-checkers Full Fact warned of an £8billion funding hole.
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