The UK is heading into to another winter "where we're going to have to watch every penny", says the director of comparison website Uswitch.

Figures shared with the BBC show household energy prices are predicted to rise by 16% in January, with a typical annual bill forecast to jump by £276.

Richard Neudegg says that prediction is based on the previous quarter, but when compared to the same period last year "we're talking 26% higher than what we had in the same period".

He says there are measures households can take to bring the cost of their bills down, including signing up for a fixed energy tariff, depending on the options available where they live.

Neudegg also recommends households monitor their energy usage and look at ways to reduce it.

"This particular winter is one of the really difficult ones so take action for this one, £400 more than last winter for average consumption is really nasty," Neudegg adds.

Yesterday, Burnham gave his first speech to a Labour Party conference since becoming prime minister. Here's a brief overview of what he announced:

• Triple lock - The pension triple lock, which guarantees the state pension rises by whichever is highest out of inflation, wage increases or 2.5%, will be adjusted from 2030, to remove the direct link with wages but still "hold its value relative to earnings over time"
• Social care - Savings from removing the triple lock will be put towards plans for a free at the point of use "national care service" in England which "everyone contributes" to and where "everyone is covered"

• Electoral reform - Labour will establish a national commission on electoral reform and commit to change the electoral system in its next manifesto
• Energy - Great British Grid will be established, a publicly owned company which Burnham says will challenge the private sector operators and drive down timings and costs for connecting businesses and homes to the grid
• Water - The ban on public ownership of water companies will be lifted, starting a 10-year journey to a "very different water system" that will "strengthen public control"

Burnham says the government is thinking about ways to give people "breathing space" on the cost of living ahead of the Budget next month, telling BBC Breakfast "we'll consider further measures".

The prime minister says ending VAT on household electricity bills from this week will ease some pressure heading into the winter, as well as an upcoming national cap on bus fares, but concedes those policies are "something, not everything".

He goes on: "It's important for me to say we don't have huge room for manoeuvre. I think people can see that when they look at the financial picture - but within that we will do our best."

Burnham is pressed on the £45 average saving generated by the energy VAT cut, which is expected to be cancelled out when upcoming price cap increases are taken into account.

The prime minister says energy reform is needed to make costs affordable in the long term, pointing out that energy costs are higher in the UK than in Europe - which Burnham says is because the country has "sold off utilities" and there is a lack of "public control".

Lucy Hooker
Business reporter

New figures out this morning show the UK economy grew a little more strongly this spring than we had thought.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) originally put growth in the April-to-June quarter at 0.4%. That’s now been revised up to 0.5%.

The ONS’s first estimates for how the economy is faring are always updated as more detailed data comes in. This time they also show GDP per head is up by 1.2% over the year to June, which means we should be feeling marginally better off too.

These changes might sound small but they’re a helpful nudge in the right direction ahead of the Budget where the numbers will be very tight.

We're about to hear from Andy Burnham speak to BBC Breakfast.

The interview was recorded yesterday at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool but is being broadcast this morning - we'll bring you the key lines here.

The prime minister has also done a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that will be played later this morning, and we'll have updates for you from that later as well.

The chairman of the Conservative Party says Andy Burnham's plan to reform the pension triple lock in order to fund a new national care service is "robbing Peter to pay Paul".

Kevin Hollinrake tells BBC Breakfast that the proposal amounts to "taking money out of the pocket of pensioners and using it elsewhere in the system".

The triple lock, which was introduced but the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in 2011, ensures state pensions rise by whichever is highest out of average earnings growth, consumer price index (CPI) inflation or 2.5%.

Yesterday, the prime minister said savings generated by changing the link between the state pension and wage increases from 2030 would be used to help establish a new "national care service" in England.

Hollinrake says the Tories will work with the prime minister on social care proposals but would not support funding it by changing the triple lock or tax rises, repeating his party's calls for welfare cuts.

Pressed on whether his party would retain the triple lock as it is if it forms the next government, Hollinrake says it is "still part of our plans" and "I would assume that will be in our manifesto".

In his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said he wanted to create a free at the point of use social care system funded by changes to the current pension triple lock.

The triple lock, introduced in 2011, means the state pension increases each year in line with whichever is highest out of inflation (consumer price index), average wage growth or 2.5%.

Burnham told Labour conference on Tuesday that this will stay in place until 2030, at which point he would like to "adjust it".

Under the plans, the state pension will increase every year at least by inflation or 2.5%.

He said it would "hold its value relative to earnings over time". It's not clear exactly what mechanism would be used for that, but it would not longer retain the automatic annual link with average earnings.

Burnham says "this change will generate significant savings which we will use to build up our national care service".

Officials have suggested the change could save £15bn a year by 2040.

As we've just reported, Burnham says it's not an "overstatement" to say the UK faces another energy crisis this winter.

He was responding to a comment from the the boss of supplier EDF Simone Rossi, who warns the UK is "walking into a second significant energy crisis after the one we experienced just four years ago".

Speaking exclusively to the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast, Rossi also calls for an extension to the VAT cut on electricity which kicks in on Thursday.

Figures shared with the BBC reveal household energy prices are set to soar in January, with a typical annual bill forecast to jump by £276.

The 16% predicted increase would hit millions of households at the coldest time of year, and would mark the biggest rise in bills for four years.

The forecast from consultancy Cornwall Insight comes a day before prices go up under regulator Ofgem's October price cap and puts increased pressure on the government to support those who will struggle to pay.

• Read more: Household energy bills forecast to see biggest rise in four years

Andy Burnham says he doesn't think it is "an overstatement" to say we face another energy crisis this winter.

Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, Burnham is asked about a comment from the boss of energy supplier EDF that the UK could face another "energy crisis" this winter.

"I don't think that is an overstatement to be honest," Burnham says, adding that when he looks at "prices at the pump" it is "very challenging for people who are filling up today" and energy prices for homes.

"I'm doing what I can, removing say VAT off bills. But it is very difficult indeed, and it's why the Middle East situation needs to command a lot of our attention," he says, adding that he spoke about the situation with Donald Trump last week.

The PM also concedes that £45 off energy bills via a cut in VAT for household electricity bills is "not going to meet all of those pressures", and adds that there is a "Budget coming and we're considering all of these issues" but there "isn't a huge room for manoeuvre".

Burnham also tells BBC Breakfast that "every possible measure is being looked at" to tackle the cost of energy bills, but "the question I’ve got is how many can I afford given the state of the public finances".

For context: The policy to cut VAT on household electricity bills from 5% to zero comes into effect on 1 October, and was announced by the government in July.

Burnham says all options are on the table in his upcoming re-evaluation of the UK's relationship with the European Union, from "stay as we are" up to "all the way".

The prime minister told Labour's conference on Tuesday that he would set out "different options" later this year to coincide with a meeting with EU leaders.

That summit had been scheduled for July but was postposed following the resignation of Keir Starmer. A new date has not been set.

Burnham said he would try to "find consensus" in the country on one option to clarify the UK's long-term position, although did not offer further detail of how this would be measured.

Asked what the options might look like, Burnham tells BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We could stay as we are. That's definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay."

"We could look at what [former Chancellor] George Osborne has said about a customs union, we could look at what the Liberal Democrats said at their conference about the single market, or we could go all the way."

"So there are clearly options that need to be considered, and we have to look at what is doable and what would be the pros and cons of each," he adds.

Andy Burnham has suggested rejoining the EU is among options the government could examine to reshape the UK's long-term relationship with Europe.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the prime minister says the current Brexit settlement has caused "more harm than good" and he wants to look at "what is doable" to repair relations.

It comes after he pledged in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a summit later this year.

The move could set up a big dividing line at the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing him of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years".

Burnham set out a number of other policies in his first Labour conference speech as prime minister on Tuesday, including a national care service funded by changes to the pension triple lock from 2030, and a plan to include electoral reform in Labour's next manifesto.

Burnham also told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he doesn't think it's an "overstatement" to say the UK faces another energy crisis this winter, adding that he is "doing what I can" to help reduce the cost of bills.

We'll bring you more from Burnham's interviews with BBC Radio 4 and Breakfast, along with the latest reaction and analysis following his conference speech.

Image source, PA Media

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out a number of policies he wants his party to implement during his speech at the Labour Party conference, including a national care service funded by changes to the current pension "triple lock".

Here are some of the key points from Burnham's speech:

• Social care - The PM aims to create a free at the point of use social care system which "everyone contributes" to and "everyone is covered"

• Triple lock - The pension "triple lock" - which guarantees how much the state pension increases by annually - will be adjusted from 2030, generating money to pay for care

• Electoral reform - Labour will establish a national commission on electoral reform and commit to change the electoral system in its next manifesto
• Energy - Great British Grid will be established, a publicly owned company which Burnham says will challenge the private sector operators, increase competition and drive down costs
• Water - The ban on public ownership of water companies to be lifted, starting a 10-year journey to a "very different water system" that will "strengthen public control"

Reacting to the speech, union boss Sharon Graham criticised plans to alter the triple lock, describing it as the "wrong lever to pull at this point".

While the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) described Burnham's triple lock proposals as "much improved, but not perfect", adding that it is not enough to fund universal social care.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the triple lock proposals "won’t generate enough savings to fund a nationalised care system for another two decades" - amidst reaction from other party leaders.

While BBC economic editor Faisal Islam writes that Burnham's proposed triple lock changes are significant, but still a gamble.

• We're ending our live coverage for now, but you can read more in our full story here

Pension changes are a tweak, rather than an overhaulpublished at 18:31 BST 29 September

18:31 BST 29 September

Dharshini David
Deputy economics editor

The proposed method of uprating the state pension after 2030 may be described as triple-lock lite: an annual rise by the greater of 2.5% or inflation - with an additional safeguard, a less frequent review to ensure it keeps up with earnings growth over time.

Under the current system, if inflation spikes one year, and is then followed a year later by earnings growth rising to a similar level, the respective annual increases in the triple lock will reflect both of these.

It’s why pensions growth has outpaced earnings growth since the start of the introduction of the triple lock in 2011. And, as it stands, the cost of pension provision, relative to GDP, is predicted to rise by 50% in the next 50 years.

The proposed changes will mean a more modest – and predictable – increase in the cost to the public purse.

But as the changes amount to a tweak rather than an overhaul, it will save a relatively small amount of money – millions rather than billions to start with.

That will grow over time, but still means that the challenges of funding universal social care, and keeping the public finances on a sustainable long-term path, remain.

Jack Fenwick
Political correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Downing Street has refused to say whether re-joining the European Union could be one of the options the prime minister considers when exploring the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

Andy Burnham said in his conference speech that he would take the opportunity around the next EU summit in November to lay out what he believes the different options are.

He added: "I will see if we can find consensus around one which will give us clarity about our position, and the future of the continent we live in."

Speaking after the speech, the prime minister’s political spokesman could not say what options would be included or how that consensus would be measured.

Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged not to return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.

The spokesman says these "red lines" will be in place for the remainder of this Parliament.

But asked repeatedly whether rejoining the EU could be an option after that, he refused to say.

Brian Wheeler
Reporting from Labour Party conference in Liverpool

Image source, EPA/Shutterstock

1. Relaxed vibes, serious content: It was no surprise to see Andy Burnham tieless and roaming the conference stage in Liverpool, unanchored by the traditional leader's speech podium. But despite the relaxed TED talk vibe, this was sober and serious speech. He set out major new policies - not always a given on these occasions
2. Bringing back public control: Burnham vowed to overturn Margaret Thatcher's 1980s reforms to give the public greater control over housing, water and energy
3. Pensions triple lock gamble: He said the change to pensions in 2030 would "generate significant savings" to fund his long-held ambition of creating a national care service in England
4. Electoral reform: His announcement of a national commission on electoral reform went down very well with many in the conference hall
5. Emotional tribute to late father: Burnham's longest ovation came when he pledged to "use this job to build the kind of Britain my dad wanted to see – and fight with everything I've got to keep it together"

You can read our full analysis here.

How much could Burnham’s change to triple lock save?published at 17:52 BST 29 September

17:52 BST 29 September

By Ben Chu, policy and analysis correspondent

In his conference speech Andy Burnham said he would “adjust” the triple lock on the state pension from April 2030, so it will rise in line with the highest of inflation or 2.5% - and not consider annual average wage growth.

But the prime minister added that “it will hold its value relative to earnings over time”.

We’re still awaiting full details from the government, but the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank says the key change is that the state pension won’t automatically jump up with average wages every year, but only broadly track them over a longer period of time.

In recent years, the triple lock has meant the state pension has sometimes risen faster than average earnings.

The IFS estimates such a reform could save “anywhere between £5bn and £40bn per year”, although the think tanks says its central expectation is around £20bn a year in today’s money.

There's considerable uncertainty because the cost of the triple lock is linked to the future volatility of people’s earnings and inflation, which are impossible to confidently forecast.

However, either way, analysts think it could take more than a decade for the change to deliver major savings.

Jonah Fisher
Environment correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Fulfilling Andy Burnham’s campaign promise of "public control" over England’s water companies does not, at least for the moment, mean nationalisation. That idea has been set to one side as being simply too expensive.

Instead, it means mayors and local leaders being given responsibility for planning, setting objectives and holding water companies to account. There's been talk of as many as nine regional bodies.

On the face of it, this sounds like lots of local regulators. Do different parts of the country really have different expectations of what they want from their water companies beyond delivering a good, reliable service and keeping bills down?

The Starmer government concluded after a review last year that current water industry regulation was "too complex" and that the key to improving water company performance was to streamline regulation into a single, more powerful regulator.

Critics wonder whether the Burnham plan - for local control - is just adding back another tier of bureaucracy.

Further details of how it might work are expected to be set out in Burnham's 10-year plan that will be published later this year.

Jack Fenwick
Political correspondent at Labour Party conference in Liverpool

The government believes that ending the existing triple lock in 2030 will save £15bn a year by 2040 and more after that.

Under the plans announced by Andy Burnham today, the state pension would rise every year by at least 2.5% or inflation, whichever is higher.

It would be increased further if needed, to ensure that it stays above 30% of the full-time average wage.

The government believes they would save money by preventing the state pension outpacing earnings over time.

A year of high inflation is often followed by a year of wages trying to catch up.

That causes what the government describes as a ratcheting up of the state pension, which ministers hope to prevent with the new system.

The government is denying that they have ended the triple lock and is instead describing the new system as an adjusted triple lock.

Jennifer McKiernan
Reporting from Labour Party conference in Liverpool

The prime minister's conference speech seems to have gone down well with Labour members who were in the room, at the least ones we've spoken to.

Chloe Tapper, from Monmouthshire, describes Burnham as "compelling" and says she doesn't know how anyone "couldn't get behind" public ownership of essential services.

Julian Allwood, a delegate from Croydon West, says the speech was "transformative", agreeing with the PM that "somebody needs to take off the plaster".

While Philippa Marsden, from Caerphilly, says she is fine with the triple lock decision, as "you have to make difficult choices".

Simon Jack
Business editor

Image source, Getty Images

The prime minister has said the water industry is a prime example of everything he argues went wrong in the 1980s. He talked of some companies siphoning off profits while leaving sewage in our waterways - declaring "it stinks".

His remarks come on the same day that South West Water was fined nearly £8m for sewage spills. His remedy? In a nutshell:

• Remove what he described as an "ideological" Thatcher-era ban on public ownership of water firms
• Greater power for mayors to hold water companies to account
• Tougher consequences for failure and closing loopholes used to pay excessive bonuses

However, Burnham also said that where private ownership serves the public, the government will support it.

This would seem to allow for all outcomes and falls short of calls from unions and many labour MPs to take an essential service into public ownership.

It is not clear what this means for a consortium of private lenders who had hoped to take control of Thames Water with a £10bn rescue plan. Thames Water is drowning in £20bn of debt and is expected to run out of cash by the end of the year.

Thames Water itself has warned that it will need to find £2bn to fund its operations and investments next year - which under public ownership would have to come from public coffers.