A Bolton housing group has issued a crucial update on how people can claim discounts to help afford heating their homes this winter.

Bolton at Home has advised that some energy providers are already open for applications but eligible people will receive the discount automatically regardless of their supplier.

The money will be deducted from people’s bills, with prices expected to soar over the coming months as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

A Bolton at Home statement said: “Regardless of who your energy supplier is, make sure you’re aware of these updates regarding the £150 Warm Home Discount and please let others know, too.

“Those of you who are with Utilita might already know that they’d usually open applications for the Warm Home Discount around this time of the year, early August.

“However, government changes introduced this year, in England and Wales, mean that if you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount, you don’t need to apply for it anymore regardless of your supplier other suppliers would usually open their Warm Home Discount applications later in the year.

“A discount of £150 will automatically be deducted from your energy bills between October and March some suppliers will split your total deduction across more than one bill.”