PM vows to ease energy cost burden

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

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

The likely focus of the package will be assistance with energy efficiency measures like loft insulation, new boilers and double glazing.

More than 10 million households will be offered help with better home insulation as well as with finding the best gas and electricity tariffs.

But campaigners are calling for direct financial support to help poorer households get through the winter.

Unions want a windfall tax on energy companies amid warnings that the poor and elderly faced a choice of "eating or heating" this winter.

But Chancellor Alistair Darling has cautioned against a windfall tax and Mr Brown made no mention of one when asked about the package at a press conference.

Mr Brown said: "I think you will find, when you see the energy proposals that we are putting forward and will continue to look at over the next few months, that we are doing everything that we can.

"For example, the winter allowance for pensioners to help people with their fuel bills during the winter months, as well as helping people make long-term savings through cutting the cost of energy through insulating, draught-proofing, getting better heating in their homes and taking all the conservation measures that are necessary."