UK households struggling to afford energy bills this winter are being handed cost of living payments of up to £500.

The cash is available as part of the government’s Household Support Fund which is shared to local councils across the UK by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The scheme was extended for the sixth time in October, creating a funding pot worth £421 million to be distributed across the country to help households afford essentials over the winter period.

The funding is…