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Ministers consider fuel bill help Ministers consider fuel bill help
(about 1 hour later)
The government has played down reports it may give families £150 towards fuel bills, after an official was overheard discussing options on a train.The government has played down reports it may give families £150 towards fuel bills, after an official was overheard discussing options on a train.
But Downing St said it was "considering the best ways to meet the challenges of lower bills for the most vulnerable".But Downing St said it was "considering the best ways to meet the challenges of lower bills for the most vulnerable".
The government says any decision on help will be announced in the autumn Pre-Budget Report.The government says any decision on help will be announced in the autumn Pre-Budget Report.
Department for Business top official Sir Brian Bender was reportedly heard talking through options two weeks ago.Department for Business top official Sir Brian Bender was reportedly heard talking through options two weeks ago.
Sir Brian, the permanent secretary at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), was on a train from Leeds to London when he was overheard by a media executive.Sir Brian, the permanent secretary at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), was on a train from Leeds to London when he was overheard by a media executive.
'No decisions''No decisions'
The Sunday Times then reported that the department was considering a £150 handout to all 7.5 million families claiming child benefit.The Sunday Times then reported that the department was considering a £150 handout to all 7.5 million families claiming child benefit.
A spokesman for BERR said those "least able to heat their homes" were a priority but no decisions had been taken and the £150 figure was "not recognised".A spokesman for BERR said those "least able to heat their homes" were a priority but no decisions had been taken and the £150 figure was "not recognised".
Asked about the story earlier, the prime minister's official spokesman said any decision would be announced in the Pre-Budget Report.Asked about the story earlier, the prime minister's official spokesman said any decision would be announced in the Pre-Budget Report.
And while "no decisions have been taken" the government was "considering the best ways to meet the challenges of lower bills for the most vulnerable and to meet the challenge of high fuel bills".And while "no decisions have been taken" the government was "considering the best ways to meet the challenges of lower bills for the most vulnerable and to meet the challenge of high fuel bills".
Asked about officials discussing policy on public transport, he added: "Our general guideline is that discretion must be maintained".Asked about officials discussing policy on public transport, he added: "Our general guideline is that discretion must be maintained".
It comes a week after speculation over government plans to help the housing market led to accusations ministers were creating uncertainty and making things worse.It comes a week after speculation over government plans to help the housing market led to accusations ministers were creating uncertainty and making things worse.
The government has not denied reports it is considering deferring payment of stamp duty as one of a number of measures but has said it is wrong to suggest any concrete proposals are on the table.The government has not denied reports it is considering deferring payment of stamp duty as one of a number of measures but has said it is wrong to suggest any concrete proposals are on the table.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that key union leaders want Health Secretary Alan Johnson and backbencher Jon Cruddas - who came third in last year's Labour deputy leadership contest - to form a "dream ticket", if Gordon Brown stands down as prime minister.
There has been much speculation about possible challenges to Labour's leadership after Labour's defeat in the Glasgow East by-election in July - Foreign Secretary David Miliband has also been tipped as a potential challenger, although he has denied running a leadership campaign.