PM to unveil energy help package

More than 10 million households are set to be offered help with energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation, new boilers and double glazing.

Vulnerable households hit by rising gas and electricity prices are to get support cutting down on their consumption and through the winter fuel allowance.

It is thought the energy companies will also make increased contributions to the government's carbon emissions reduction targets scheme.

But there is not expected to be the windfall tax on the profits of energy companies demanded by unions and many Labour backbenchers.

The unions have said there is a moral case for the tax and the Government has "swallowed hook, line and sinker" excuses over social responsibility from the energy firms.

Britain's biggest union, Unite, claim that since 2003, energy firms have increased their profits by 538% to £3 billion and raised prices by up to 35% this year alone.

The industry was spending just £50 million a year combating fuel poverty despite the "huge" hikes in prices, profits and share dividends, said the union.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has cautioned against a windfall tax while Business Secretary John Hutton has indicated it would hurt investment in Britain.

The new package of help follows weeks of negotiations with energy bosses.