UK Chancellor Healey announces 100 energy subsidy for households

The Chancellor unveiled the first major surprise of this Budget: a 100 energy rebate for households. John Healey referenced a policy announced this morningscrapping the standing charge on gas bills. "This winter, for 20 million households in council tax bands A to D, a 100 energy rebate per household." He said the rebate will be paid directly into residents' bank accounts to help with rising energy bills. He added: "This rebate scheme totals 2.6 billion, easing the burden during the coldest months and helping people get through to spring." Healey also called on devolved governments to introduce similar rebate schemes. The Chancellor then announced another measure benefiting households: an extension of the VAT reduction to July. Healey said: "Two tax cuts this winter: a 50 saving from the VAT reduction and 100 from the council tax reduction; fairer bills next year; and in the long term, deeper reform of the energy market to bring down electricity prices."