Scores of pensioners are set to benefit from new government plans to help them pay their fuel bills, it has been revealed.

An agreement has been reached between the big six energy suppliers and the government to offer an £80 rebate for people over the age of 70.

It will be an advantage to 250,000 pensioners, the authorities estimate, and provides another level of financial protection to vulnerable homeowners.

People will not be required to find out if they are eligible for the funding as the Department for Work and Pensions will provide the necessary information to the energy suppliers.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper commented: "I don't want any vulnerable pensioners to be afraid to turn up their heating.

"That's why we've spent a record £295 million in cold weather payments and £2.7 billion in winter fuel payments so far this winter."

She added that the new funding should help to give the country's pensioners peace of mind that they can cope financially if another exceptionally cold winter were to strike.

The rebates are available to those who receive their energy from British Gas, EDF Energy, EON, Npower, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy.

Qualifying criteria is yet to be laid out be the government, although further guidance is expected to be made available by the end of the month.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme is advised to call the government's helpline on 0845 600 0033.

This marks another shakeup for the energy market in the UK, as the past few weeks have seen many suppliers battling it out to become the country's cheapest provider.

Many of the price cuts will come into effect at the end of the month, meaning people still have time to switch energy supplier if they want a more affordable deal.