Last week, the government announced it was expanding the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme, which helps reduce energy costs for those most in need.

The changes will mean an estimated 220,000 more Scottish households are now eligible for the scheme, with as many as 520,000 households now eligible overall.

In total, this scheme could put up to £75 million in the pockets of lower income Scottish families.

Scottish Labour social justice spokesperson Paul O’Kane said: “The Labour government has acted swiftly to protect the worst off from the volatility of the global energy markets.

“This expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme means one in every five Scottish families are now eligible for help with their bills – an extra 220,000 households.

“From expanding this lifeline scheme to delivering a record budget settlement for Scotland, this Labour government has decisively ended Tory austerity and inaction – and this is just the beginning.”