CARLISLE'S MP has welcomed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's announcement of an extension when it comes to energy support relief. 

The announcement came following the launch of the 2023 Spring Budget (March 15). 

The Chancellor confirmed that the energy price guarantee, which caps average household bills at £2,500, will be extended at its current level from April to June. 

Carlisle's MP welcomed the budget 'focused on growth', along with the increase in defence spending as well as childcare reform. 

CEO at Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden, Andy Auld, said however, "it's not all good news" for those at the lower end of the pay scale come the end of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. 

"Keeping the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 is a welcome step, but unfortunately it’s not all good news for households struggling to pay their bills. 

"The withdrawal of the Energy Bill Support Scheme will still mean the average monthly bill rises by £67 from April and, with millions already unable to afford their bills and energy prices set to remain high in the years ahead, the government must now look at long-term solutions to this problem. 

READ MORE: Energy bill support extended ahead of Spring Budget 2023 Jeremy Hunt reveals

"Many people, especially those on low incomes, will need ongoing support not only to pay their bills but to make their homes safer and warmer through improved energy efficiency," he said. 

This Energy Bill Support Scheme saved households £400 on their energy bills last winter.

MP John Stevenson said the extension for another three months will be very welcomed by families.

"The anticipation is that prices will drop below the threshold that they need to support which is good because, at the end of the day, the government can't support people forever in that way. 

"The important thing now is we've got to make sure we have an energy supply that feeds into our own economy, such as the expansion of nuclear and renewables. 

"It's also about getting people back into work. What we will see shortly is minimum wage rise by 9 per cent plus, that's got to be welcomed by those on the lower end of the pay scale," he said.