It's Rishi to the rescue but we are not out of the woods yet

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak's £21billion rescue package on Thursday enjoyed a much warmer reception than his last one in March, with pensioners faring better than most.

- Harvey Jones

This should help millions eat and heat their homes in the difficult months ahead, but we all know the cost-of-living crisis is far from over.

There is a chance that Sunak will have to launch a third rescue package in the autumn, when the energy price cap jumps again, to as high as £2,800.

The war in Ukraine is the main driver behind soaring energy prices, which are unlikely to drop as the conflict looks set to drag on and on.

Until inflation falls back, we will all have to keep tightening our belts.

WORTH WAITING FOR

In an unexpected boost, Sunak doubled his previously announced £200 discount on energy bills to £400, sent to every household in October. Better still, this money will not have to be paid back, in contrast to the original payment.

The downside is that many will struggle to pay their household bills while waiting for this payment to come in.

Every pensioner household will also get an extra £300 on top of the annual Winter Fuel Payment, to be paid in November or December.

This comes on top of the £150 council tax rebate for band A-D properties, which Sunak previously announced.

It means that every pensioner will be given £850 of support.