Shoppers rush to buy ‘cosy’ Dunlem winter essential that could help you stop switching heating on

BARGAIN hunters have been rushing to Dunelm to buy a winter essential that could help you avoid switching your heating on.

The homeware retailer is known for selling must-have household items and now it’s given customers another essential go wild for.

One savvy shopper spotted a faux fur throw for just £16.25 in their local Dunelm in Carlisle and shared it in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.

They said: “Hurry before they all go. Not sure if it is just in my local store, but absolute bargain so I bought two.

“Normally £65 and £70, reduced to £16.25.”;

The blanket isn’t currently listed on Dunelm”;s website, so those hoping to bag the bargain will have to try their luck in store.

You can find your nearest branch using the store finder online, but it’s best to call your local Dunelm before making a trip over there to avoid disappointment.

The Facebook post was accompanied by a photo of the blankets, which got more than 400 likes and 100 comments.

One person in the comments said: “These look so nice. I’m definitley going to Dunelm tomorrow to see if I can find them.”;

While another added: “Wow, I need.”;

Similar blankets are on sale on the Dunelm website for between £30 and £65.

But remember, if you order online, you will have to pay a delivery charge, so make sure you factor this into your budget.

Throws and bedding can also be found at several retailers such as Amazon.

We found a blanket on Amazon for £23 and another at B&M for just £16.

The Sun recommends always shopping around for the best deal.

It comes as people are starting to stock up for winter in a bid to stay warm without turning their heating on.

There has already been a significant rise in the purchase of heated blankets and other cosy warmers.

What energy bill support is available?

As part of the Autumn Statement last month, it was revealed millions on benefits and Universal Credit will receive an extra one-off £900.

Eight million households currently get cost of living payments worth up to £650, but eligibility criteria could change under any new rules.

Right now, eligibility is the list of benefits mentioned above.

Pensioners have also started getting a £300 one-off payment.

The current pensioner cost of living payment is being handed out to millions on a low income.

You qualify under the current rules if you normally get the winter fuel payment, but this could change under the new rules.

The £300 cost of living payment is paid on top of the other winter support.

You’ll need to be:

• born on or before 25 September 1956
• have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022 in what is known as the “qualifying week”;

Struggling families are eligible for the Warm House Discount to help them tackle the cost of living.

The scheme is where eligible households can get £150 off their electricity bill each winter – but you’ll have to wait until the colder months to get the money off.

Households in England and Wales don’t need to apply to get the cash and they’ll automatically qualify if they are receiving certain benefits.

You can read more about who’s eligible here.

There are also plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you’re struggling.

British Gas has recently confirmed that it’ll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth £750 to help with sky-high bills.

Ask your supplier what’s on offer and how to apply, or check here:

• British Gas Energy Trust
• Bulb energy fund
• EDF’s energy customer support fund
• E.on’s energy fund
• Npower’s energy fund
• Ovo’s debt and energy assistance
• Scottish Power’s hardship fund

There’s also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment metre.