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Labour is to plough hundreds of millions of pounds into extending help for families this winter as it tries to fend of criticism over cuts to payments for pensioners.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall today announced she is extending the Household Support Fund, which allows councils to help people with cost-of-living struggles, at a cost of £421million.
It came as ministers feel pressure over the post-election decision to make the winter fuel allowance for over-65s means-tested.
They are set to block efforts by the Tories and Liberal Democrats for a parliamentary vote this week on Chancellor Rachel Reeves‘ plan to scale back the payments which are worth up to £300.
Announcing the extension of the HSF today Ms Kendall said it would run in…