England is facing some bitterly cold days ahead, say forecasters, thanks to Arctic winds that are going to drag temperatures to well below freezing.

But the country's wintry, frost-laden new look is likely to come at a price - as households who have been avoiding the flick of the thermostat are forced into using more gas and electric, which has rocketed in price since October.

While all homes are continuing to receive monthly energy support payments until March 2023, alongside additional payments for pensioners, there could be more financial help available for families should the temperatures really plunge us into a prolonged cold snap.

Among them is the Cold Weather Payment scheme, which gives extra money to the most hard-pressed households to help them heat their homes should the mercury plummet in their area for at least a week.

Introduced on November 1 and running until March 31 next year, grants of £25 are available to low-income households every time the weather locally is - or is forecast to be - 0C or below for seven consecutive days.

The money - paid to those on certain means tested benefits - is sent out automatically to homes living in areas which have experienced freezing weather and should arrive within 14 days after each cold weather spell.

Those entitled don't need to claim and the support will be paid automatically to anyone registered with the Department for Work and Pensions who receives one of the following qualifying benefits:

* Pension credit

* Income support

* Income-based jobseeker’s allowance

* Income-related employment and support allowance

* Universal credit

* Support for mortgage interest

Each £25 payment is given to households to keep, there's no requirement to pay the cash back, and if there are multiple spells of cold weather then entitled households can receive more than one grant during the five month qualifying period.

The severe cold weather alert currently remains in place across England until 9am Monday morning with the Met Office warning of wintry showers and temperatures as low as -10C in isolated areas.

Further weather warnings, say forecasters, could be necessary if the Arctic blast shows signs of moving into next week.

National Highways says it has 500 gritters ready to treat motorways and A-roads during the anticipated icy weather with 128 depots on standby.