I was at one point a single working mum full time, and now have a partner and another child, my partner has been sick & doesn't receive any js benefits and I am working, the parents on benefits who dont work should get that £150.00 in a electricity or gas voucher & the asylum seekers&refugees

Al, Glasgow, Scotland

It doesn't matter wether you have kids or not the fact of the matter is we are all taxed to the hilt with no room to manouvre, I do feel that there are alot of bludgers who get handouts, the rich don't notice the difference and the people in the middle are expected to tread water £150 is a joke

Taylor Samantha, Alcester, UK

Given that I get the benefit, great. But I won't be changing my vote.

Michael, London,

I'm a single middle aged woman and I live on my own and pay for everything through the nose. Do I get a free handout NO I don't and what about the elderly and people with disabilities. I chose not to breed so why should I support those families and single people who breed like rabbits and benefit

Jeannie, Devizes, UK

i have 3 children by choice and must say this extra bonus will come in handy if we actually receive it. It angers me that GB thinks he can throw money at parents to try and win some votes but forgets about everyone else. Alot of people without kids are worse of than I am, equality for everyone

vikki , Kirkcaldy, Fife

cranking out kids to get handouts and benefits is an olympic sport for many in this country and we wonder why the underclass is growing and why so many of our youth today are horribly behaved. if the ministers left SW1 they might see it as well.

Alex, London, england

To qualify for Child Benefit, besides giving birth to and keeping one's own child, what else does one need to do? How's that not a handout? Is it really making a difference, helping reduce teenage crime, teenage obesity and underage pregnancies? It's more of a handout than Jobseekers' allowance.

David, HK,

I have worked full time for 22 years and have a 25 year old son. I am not married, so the only money that comes into the house is my own. I still work full time, so my taxes are going to be paying for this.

Wthout wanting to sound moneygrabbing, where is my £150!?

kim, london,

Child Benefit is not a hand out but something that every parent, whether they be millionaires or unemployed, get!

To those people who seem to have trouble reading, this is who this payment is going to - not single parents or the workshy!

kim, london,

£150 will pay our (a family of 4) fuel bill for a month, what about the other 11!
I never expected help from government to pay my fuel bills, and if they think they can buy my support for one months fuel then they are mistaken. I will of course take £150 if offered, I can not afford not too.

Dom Gething, Penrith, UK

With all the so called mothers going on about 'we are more needy" have they stopped and thought about anyone else around them , that hasn't got kids that could freeze this winter?
And this money won't go towards fags and booze because we never see parents smoking while pushing prams.

mark, Liverpool, UK

Gordon B, just cut taxes so everyone has a bit more money in their pockets to pay the bills, no discrimination, saves a fortune in admin! Its so simple even you can grasp it!

Jonathan, Coventry, UK

I have no children (yet) because I couldn't afford them. I consider myself as a resposible person, so I think first then act.
It migth be a good idea for some people to think of planning having a baby and to prepare financially for it first instead of rely on benefits.

Alina, Hastings, UK

Some people in the UK always expect handouts, as successive governments have made it into an Olympic sport. I'm not paying for other people to have children. I sold up and have left the country, paying 15% tax in the Far East. Too bad for those expecting me to fund their one working parent policies.

David, HK,

There was a time, when democracies outlawed vote-buying.

David, Minneapolis, MN, US

What about us couples with no children? We pay taxes, and get no help at all - having children should not get anyone an automatic right for continual handouts, unfortunately this pathetic government just does not listen to the childless. We are hurting too.

Chris, S'bury,

I am a married house wife with 2 disabled kids and we are finding it hard to pay fuel bills. Before u have a go at anybody else all the people out there that are discriminating us woman from wanting kids. My husband works and has done all his life . now its our turn to have a handout.!

Karen, Glasgow, Scotland

Emma, antrim, northern ireland - get a grip, there is more than one way of avoiding getting pregnant and the first way is not to share your favours too soon and too young. The country is in an economic mess because it dishes out too much in all forms of social security payments.

Kenneth Armitage, Suffolk, England

if you do not have children you have made a selfish choice. That is not my fault. Your taxes pay for the Royal Family and the Armed Forces, why not for something postive too?

crispin willis, cupar, scotland

What do you mean you "fell pregnant" Emma? An immaculate conception? Your use of language tells me you're unable to take responsibility for your own actions. Either way, paying your fuel bill will be growing the government debt MY CHILDREN will have to repay.

Robin Laundon, Cambridge, UK

I have just read through the comments left, i am furious, i fell pregnant at 16 very young indeed, i was still in education. My son is now 5 his biological father is a soldier, and pays csa. I am now married 3 years and have a daughter my husband works 40-50hours a week, alot of people need this.

Emma, antrim, northern ireland

I have a diploma in health and social care, children are expensive and but my husband still pays flipping tax do you think he gets off scott free, and if we did'nt have children then were would the next generation come from, stop whinging some people actually have problems,

Emma, antrim, northern ireland

Could your parents afford you, or your grandparents, people don't always expect the unexpected, i hope when some of you have children things get hard when you least expect it then you will eat your words, don't blame us if you'd rather drive a fancy car than give a child life, a baby is evolution,

Emma, antrim, northern ireland

I thought this handout was to help people struggling to pay fuel bills. Why is it being used to subsidise families? It's strange how this government are determined to alienate the large and growing proportion of childless people in this country. Political suicide surely.

Frank Hegarty, Farnborough, England

Judging by some posts, it seems that some parents believe that they've done society a favour by having children. If you want kids,pay for them yourself. If I am to pay for children I'll have some myself and bring them up properly. I'll keep my wages and fund my own retirement thanks very much.

Frank Hegarty, Farnborough, England

Another example of a "leak" designed to gauge public opinion. I hope that this ill-conceived, discriminatory electoral bribe is swiftly forgotten about.

Frank Hegarty, Farnborough, England

Life is a matter of give and take. They take, they borrow and then they give back, minus the deductions for providing us with this indispensible service.
I love the sheer arrogant stupidity that starts with an ideological principle and ends up with a £150 bung.

Anthony, Richmond, UK

If we had wanted Father Christmas to be Prime Minister the election should have been on Christmas Day.

JS Faulder, London, UK

I am a single mother (not by choice) and what exactly do you people think £18 a week child benefit can pay for. I can't get any so called handouts as I have worked all my life. I think this is disgraceful when others doss and get everything payed for!
Please help those that help themselves!!!

Jane, Aylesbury, UK

Why just families? As childless taxpayers, we already subsidise families through child benefit, education and healthcare. This is a blatant bribe and a foolish waste of taxpayer's money by a desperate and incompetent government who have clearly run out of ideas. Roll on the next election!

Alan Surry, Grays, England

Gordon Brown only has two motives for doing what he is doing. Gaining more votes (practically a lost cause) or leaving an unworkable inheritance for the Conservatives if he doesn't win the next election. Then he will make Cameron's life impossible criticising him for increasing taxes.

Richard, Alicante, Spain

If I get this money I will take it and run, but I still won't vote labour at the next General Election. If any demonstration was required that this government hasn't got a clue, then this is it! I think that this is just a plan to make it as difficult as possible for the next Tory government.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Some of us are struggling but don't have children. Gordon seems happy to squeeze me until the pips squeak, as I hand over more and more tax on fuel and heating.

This move makes me detest him even more.

Paul, London,

Lindsay from London is wrong ! We can't have children (or indeed those people that choose not to have children) but we still struggle with rising costs. We may have 2 incomes, but it doesn't mean that we have plenty of money at the end of the month what about help for us ?

Pip, Surrey,

Pete,

As a single man you will have nobody but yourself to spend your cash on anyway and will already benefit from single persons allowances. Explain? Oh and if you hadn't noticed in this naive world of yours It is not just the poor people of this country that have Children and families

James, Greenwich, United Kingdom

In principle, this seems like a "nice" thing that GB is doing for us "struggling" parents. In reality, what will happen is the Govt will realise they have overpaid thousands of families and us struggling parents will have to pay it back, so those of you who are not parents, don't worry about it.

Grace, Herts, UK

As a single man who is struggling, where my payout? I pay my taxes & watch as most of it seems to be squandered.
I think I should therefiore have a rebate of all my taxes that go into paying loafers who have far too many children and leach off the state & then allow there kids to go ferrell.

Pete, St Albans, England

Those with children will probably think its fair they have increased costs etc. Whilst they do have increased costs they should also remember its the very reason why they get child tax credits and child benefit, this is very unfair biased handouts.

Chris, Leics,

This "policy" (and I use the word loosely) will do nothing to ease fuel or child poverty. It will only serve to further raise energy prices for taxpayers in the UK.

It is the same as all Labour governments have dished out when they have run out or alternatives in advance of general elections.

Edwin, Bucharest,

Helen, Cheltenham, UK: No. The parents should invest in their immediate needs. Society should support the wider infrastructure.

Food, shelter and fuel are IMMEDIATE NEEDS. These should be provided by the parent. If you cannot afford to manage the economy of your own home, don't have children.

Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom

With no confidence of the general public & no confidence from his own party what part of 'it is over' do's Gordon Brown not understand it is time for change and the sooner the better. The general election we should have had last autumn should be held this year. Vote of no confidence, who objects?

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

Today's children are tomorrow's world leaders, whether you like it or not. They are also tomorrow's healthcare workers, educators, food and leisure providers - in fact, everything that we all need to keep this earth turning. Of course we should invest in them. Their future is our future.

Helen, Cheltenham, UK

Mr Brown has indeed forgotten about those who will not benefit from this ridiculous political ploy. The vast majority of voters are left reeling at this injustice. Bring on the general election Mr Brown, and let the country decide who should run their country!

Andrew Rhind, Yeovil, England

The usual bitter rants from the childless who, unlike a lot of parents, can work full time (& bring in 2 incomes if they're part of a couple). Stop being jealous of policies aimed at reducing child poverty & be thankful that some of us are producing the kids who'll be paying your future pensions.

Lindsay, London, UK

I am a lone parent, not by choice, and also disabled. My kids are in full time education , so I would qualify for the moment. Parents get child benefit and also the one off payment £250? in savings as well, madness IMHO. What about a winter fuel payment for the disabled, PLEASE.

Julie Basso, Northants, UK

I don’t have kids so why am I and my wife being discriminated against?

Dave Bridge, Southport, UK

What about all the single people, couples without children and lone parents who pay for their children but are not holders of the child benefit book?

They aso struggle to pay these large fuel increases.

All these new stealth taxes will effect all the groups above.
AND THEY ALSO HAVE A VOTE

Ray Rodden, Corby, UK

Would the Government give me a one off payment, ah no they wont as myself and my partner have no children and work for our living. The quasi need for private run utilities and benifit obcessed nation needs to change.

Alan Church, Newcastle, uk

What about all of us voters that dont have children because we cant afford to?? We never seem to benefit from any handouts. I run a business, pay all my taxes, but if I ever need any help, because I dont receive any benefits, have children and am a legal UK citizen I dont get a look-in...

Elinor Kerans, Redditch, UK

As a child free person, do I now have to pay for 'family'' fuel bills, as well as child benefit to middle and upper class families, their schooling and cover for them at work when they 'have to go home as the little one's fallen over' yet again? GIVE ME A BREAK!

Graham B, London, UK

Yet another vote catcher from a government that has failed to give a winter fuel allowance to disabled people below pensionable age.

Alphonso, Gloucester, UK

About 15 yrs ago I could have had children, but I decided I couldn't afford them, and couldn't scrounge off the taxpayers to support them, how do u think I feel now ? scrounging is now the norm. The UkK is doomed to fail because the more scroungers, the less earners, it will implode

Emily, Frome, UK

why is it that its always a certain group that gets preferential treatment ? My kids have left education, but are still at home..Why shouldn't I qualify?.

Hamad lone, London, England

So this conversation was overheard "on the 3.05 GNER service from Leeds to London" ? That's strange. GNER haven't operated this service since last December. So either this is very old news, or the story is just pure fiction.

David, Newark, UK

I want to know what a veteran mandarin is.

For goodness sake, just cap the fuel prices, you bunch of dimwits.

M. R., Lancaster,

Wow, a case of 'throwing money at the problem'. What happens after? If bills continue to go up? Do we increase taxes? This PM has not got what it takes.....

James Cole, London, UK

To:- Teresa Brett, Swindon, England
Speaking as a pensioner and tax-whinger, I would remind you that although there is no Government Pension Fund as such, I had to pay 44 years of contributions to receive my pension and now pay exorbitant income tax on it. I doubt if your kids will pay me anything.

Richard, Alicante, Spain

I really do wonder where in gods name Gordon Brown lives, why doesn't he actually address the issue at hand - which is oil and gas companies making massive profits whilst anxiety (rather than reality) influencing behaviour of business that is desperate to find a new ways to make a fast buck.

M, London,

Why do we all have to pay for other people's children anyway?

denis, belfast, uk

So where does Gordon think this money is coming from except from the average taxpayer, either in higher tax payments now or in the future to pay for Gvt borrowing. This government is beyond belief. And why do civil servants travel first class?

Jon, Manchester,

Hear he goes again, give away money he hasn't got and put the cost on the slate. This man will make many more bribes before long in the hopes of rescuing the left. Everytime he distorts things between those who do and those who don't,, differentials need rebalancing.

William, London,

would love to jump on this gravy train called 'the family'
unfortunately a birth defect has made me unable to have children,this has affected my life and I am sick of being made to feel like a second class citizen by this government.

d owen, bradford,

What about the disabled, or those who are on low incomes but do not have tribes of children, even worse if they live in rural areas where fuel is more expensive anyway, obviously these people are complete nonentities, so therefore they do not deserve the same consideration as other people? Be fair

suekyra, kings lynn, uk

get rid of this rubbish goverment

D. Fielder, Halesworth,

It is really very, very simple.

If you want children, you pay for them. I'm sure it's more expensive to house and clothe them etc. So, earn enough to do so. If you can't don't. I don't have things that demand greater upkeep that I can't afford.

Self responsibility Mr Brown. Ever heard of it?

Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom

It's a really good idea, but it needs to be made permanent,
not a 1 year election bribe, it should be paid for by borrowing
in the shorterm and cuts in public spending in the longterm.
This 1 Billion plus the 2.7 Billion tax cut last budget, pumped
into the economy will help avoid recession.

Roger, Weymouth, England

Fantastic idea.
As a seperated working father with two children, I certainly know what it's like to struggle with bills - perhaps those who are being disparaging should be genuinely hungry at the end of the month because they can't afford anything.
Then comment again.

Gary P, Ipswich, England

Teresa Brett:

A proposal. You work + pay for your own choices and children. I'll work and take care of myself. How about that? Would you go to a restaurant time and again and expect others to pay for you? No, but you expect us singletons to pay for your life? Pay your own way socialist freeloader

Andrew Mansell, London, UK

MPs & Civil Servants on £60k + with children will be getting the £150 fuel allowance along with their other perks. While single tax payers, couples with no children & pensioners again will not receive anything. I do hope Mr Brown and friends spend their allowance wisely

Steve Toplis, Long Eaton, UK

I don't agree with this handout but, John of Milton Keynes, houses with children DO cost more to heat than those of single people or childfree couples. Families with children have to heat additional bedrooms and will use more hot water for baths, showers and laundry.

Annie, Leesds,

I am a single (divorced ) working mother on a low income who can't really afford the fuel costs but my children can run around to keep warm, pensioners can't, give the money to the pensioners.

m. lancaster, Hemel, England

Ah yes Gordon - of course - Its just because I don't have children that I haven't seen my fuel bills rise. Not....

Very unfair to single people and couples without children. How about the addressing the root cause of the problem for a change - our dependence on imported oil and gas?

Ewan, London,

some are more equal than others - especially if you claim benefit.

Mike, Sole Street, England

Will all you idiots complaining about who will get this and who won't please realise the TRUTH here. Britain is broke, the government owes billions so this money will either be borrowed and you'll all pay it back with interest or it will come from company profits and they'll raise prices to fund it

Bryan, Totland, UK

Stop devaluing the pound by keeping interest rates too low (proping up an artificial housing market). When interest rates increase the cost of gas, oil, electricity, food, etc will fall to sensible levels, allowing ALL to heat their homes. This governement has completely lost the plot!

Neil, Lanc's, Lanc's

A minority of people has a "benefit career" where one welfare payment begets the next, while the "normal income" population (with or w/out kids) are expected to keep on paying. 3rd world politics. In the UK.
£150 one-off will hardly touch the sides, while it keeps the price up for the rest of us.

Rita, London,

So, a merchant banker with children will be entitled to it, but not a poor, childless person?
Can this government do nothing right?
Why not cap the price of gas and electricity? Then everyone would benefit.

SarahN., London, UK

Having children is a choice (well hopefully), and it's done for selfish reasons, people don't have children for the benefit of others.
This handout assumes that only people with children are poor, why not get the fuel companies to give it's customers a rebate?

Frank, Bath,

Teresa from Swindon
How dare you say that the childless are whingers.
They pay considerably more tax than those with children who receive benefits!

Stephen Holmes, Withington, UK

Terresa said: ...remember that it is them who will be paying your state pension,.

A mere pittance compared to my tax bill to educate them.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

The children of today will be paying my pension in the future will they? Do you people not have any understanding of the pension markets?

Today's children are such a bunch of delinquent, unintelligent, pathetic, useless brats they're incapable of working to pay the taxes you write of!

James, London, UK

And what support will he offer to the suporting fathers who have been bankrupted by the process and hounded out of existance by the CSA.It should be remembered that some of us have already paid once and left our home behind to have to start again some how no fun being a 1st time buyer again at 50!

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

Sickening. They already receive child benefit, they chose to have children, why should they receive more handouts? Why not do something that benefits EVERYONE? Like call a general election.

tom, leicester,

So couples and and single people with no children do not need help with fuel bills? We need to keep struggling on? Nice one, Gordon.

Sarah, Telford, England

labour are trying to save thier own skins and are hoping a good old fashioned bribe will work which section of tax payers are going to pay or lose out to fund it.because you can bet it won,t be mps.drivers drinkers and smokers are always a safe bet for mps to rob to pay paul

brian rice, halifax, england

Have they sorted out why foreigners can claim child benefit even though the kids don't live in the UK? Presumably they will also benefit from this!

L.Mead, London, UK

Is it a crime to be single in NuLabour's Britian ?

Stephen Magill, Huddersfield,

Thicker than workhouse custard! or what?

Alan, Houghton-Le-Spring,

Considering how many children are leaving school at 16 barely literate and want nothing more than to live off of state benefits I wouldnt count on them to take care of me in my old age. The way this government keeps creating new forms of benefits for scroungers is a disgrace.

Lisa, London, UK

no disrespect meant, but it means anyone on child benefit will get it including all EU residents in our country who cannot vote anyway!!!

patsyanne, doncaster,

Why? It is just vote-buying.
Having a family is a lifestyle choice and nobody should enter into it unless the can afford it. We should abandon all family etc allowances and fine destitute parents for their irresponsibility.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

The 10% Tax Band fiasco is still not sorted out for the least well off. Now another sticking plaster to an overall tax and credit system which needs fundamental reform.

The bribe to those not adversely affected by the 10% Tax Band mess was £2 billion. Now another £1 billion! Amateurish?

Stuart, Brighton, UK

What? I don't have children, I am currently paying for others through my ridiculously high taxes and now I have to foot a bill for a further £150? When will there be a tax break/incentive for those who work themselves to the ground to just afford the roof over their 'single' heads? Start with fuel..

Lisa, Newcastle,

I'm sure that Mr.Brown won't have too much trouble living on the pension that the M.P.s have voted themselves.

Richard, Alicante, Spain

What about those of us on very low incomes but who are not married with children? Try living on incapacity benefit and having to cope with fuel bills.

Handouts like this will be decried as was the £120 tax rebate. A gimmick that does not solve the root problems.
.

Simon, Oxford,

brown is treating you like children, giving you £150 a year sweets money.

chris, Dubai, uae

No, homes with children in them don't necessarily cost more to heat, but they do use up a lot more hot water! To the tax wingers without children, remember that it is them who will be paying your state pension! To the people who don't need this money, how about donating it to charity?

Teresa Brett, Swindon, England

Stop moaning about not getting this because you don't have children - it's your your choice not to have children((usually).
Think on -
Todays children will be the ones working , paying taxes and funding your pension and benefits tomorrow.

Fred, Epping, UK

Well done Gordon. You've just lost even more votes!

Ian Hardie, Darlington, UK

what a farse, does the man think that 7m families are that nieve and can be bought off with 150 quid, he has no mandate for his job and now he is trying to bribe us with our own money, please just go now and save the country the pain of 2 more years of you.

James, southampton, england

"pensioners to take holidays in British resorts with relatives who look after them. <snip> pay the hotel and travel bills of a pensioner but also provide a professional carer"

Presumably stopping the Carer's benefit and expect their full time 24/7 unpaid carer(s) to get jobs.

J D S, Cardiff, UK

These people already receive extremely generous tax credits if they are low or medium paid that in some cases double their net income. Only a small minority really needs help, but as usual the government refuses to target the help. Another £1bn down the drain and onto state borrowings!

Colinc, shrewsbury,

I get child benefit for my 16 year old boys, they laugh in the face of cold, choosing to camp out in March and ghyll scramble. We are able to afford our heating bills.The government should target the money. Some children are poorly fed and clothed living in badly insulated homes.

Diana, Derby,

Because of course, the average single professional, who doesn't get any government handouts, who is not allowed to get on keyworker or social housing lists to get cheap property to sell at a profit, whose taxes pay for those that do.... don't have high fuel bills do they Gordon?

Get out Gordon.

Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom

It's very simple, if you're single or without children, fork out another £150 to those who do have them. Gordon Brown as Father Christmas. Yet more socialist theft.

Vic, London, England

There are millions of people in this country without children (many of them single) who are struggling. Having our tax money squandered like this is a disgrace.

Last one out turn the lights off.

Ned Gibbons, Stroud, UK

This man has no shame.

ronnie, bucks, UK

Why not adjust the tax free allowance upwards to take low earners out of paying tax? Simple, fair, cheap to operate? Too simple for this meddling controlling government. The administration costs of taking money away and giving it back must be huge.

c chapman, macerata, italy

Beware the grey vote Mr Brown - once again pensioners have been ignored - presumably because we can still burn our furniture to keep warm and heat our food on a BBQ!!

The fact that the pension is already so low - and is then TAXED by this ridiculous government is bad enough!!!

Bill, Stratford upon Avon, UK

Bonkers!

Whenever Gordon looks for people to give money to it never seems to be me. I just get the bills.

Mike Jones, Bristol,

as a childless couple who only PAY tax and receive absolutely no benefits I am supposed to pay the increased fuel bills that Brown will tax to give to these single parents etc. Got to go now as me and my wife are going to keep warm by making babees and then we can sign on the dole.

rob, ashbourne, uk

Yet another ill concieved bribe. Does he think we are stupid? I will gladly take the £150 but I won't be voting Labour again.

paul, nottingham, uk

I object to families getting this kind of help, where was the goverment when I was groing up with 4 boys in the house and both parents working. About time people took responsability for themselves decide not to but the latest 356" colour flat screen TV. Live within your means or workhuse awaits.

Jim, Aberdeen, Scotland

As usual, childless people are condemned to a life of relentless graft & poverty to support the richest section of society - families. Brown supports those families who say single people should live in hostels next to their place of work & receive only subsistence level pay (a genuine proposal).

Carol, Derby,

I know we have to borrow even more to pay for this(BORROWING RECORD LEVELS),but we must give those short-sighted voters, 1 reason to vote Labour.
Also when the time comes to repay this, it will be another administration who will tax the people,and take the blame.
I can't be wrong, I'm prudent Brown.

A Walton, Leicester, England

How disgusting to concentrate handouts on one section of the population. Don't single people or couples without children need some assistance with their energy bills too? And then there are the pensioners who have to decide if they eat that day or sit by the fire. For sanity's sake NuLab must go.

Nan, Reading, UK

What about those of us without children? If this is true, well off families will get £150 just because they have children whilst I, a low paid public sector worker, will get nothing just because i don't. Hardly fair!

Sarah, Shrewsburfy, Shropshire

Another bribery only for the same people. Does the government ever think of the Hard working Single people who because they have chosen not to have children get ignored in all this Benefit, Financial Support government craze? They are the ones who are paying high taxes BUT get nothing in return.

Zaza, London, UK

I'm sure all within in the UK are well aware that Gordon Brown is trying to buy votes; I afraid Mr Brown it won't work. People would be more impressed if his pathetic government were to tackle at source the cost of these obscene fuel and energy rises

JamesB, Wishaw, Scotland

Great - I earn £70,000 pa but also have two kids. I'll spend my little windfall on a day at the races - have a few bets and a few drinks. Cheers Gordon!!

Vincent, Manchester,

The rest of us on low incomes can presumably go to hell then.

judy, Liverpool, England

I didn't realise after the U-turn on the 10p tax, 2p fuel duty and lower than expected revenue incomes there is any money left in the treasure for these give away. So, GB how much do you intend on taking back through higher taxation after the GE?

d, london,

My wife and I work hard, have no children and get taxed and taxed and taxed to support those who do. Do houses with children in them cost more to heat? Bribing the middle classes, someone said? I've had nothing from Labour but increased outgoings.

John, Milton Keynes,

QUIT NOW BROWN!!!!

I'm married - child left home after being funded through university.
Out of work through illness - NO BENEFITS!
My wife works over 50 hrs a week to keep our heads above water!

What about us????

Another benefit to those who don't need it and will spend it on luxuries for xmas!!!

Darren Ward, Manchester, UK

Great I'll be able to put the money towards my holiday in Tenerife!

Richard Philpotts, Stratford Upon Avon, UK

What about us in the gap where your kids have grown up & left the nest & you are not old enough to be a Pensioner. Gordon do the right thing & stand down

Nigel, Durham, UK

Labour will undoubtedly try to bribe the electorate to improve their popularity, but it will make no difference as people have simply had enough of their lies and incompetence and just want them out.
There seems to be a feeling that Brown and Labour deserve to suffer a massive defeat in 2010.

john, swindon,

Another example of the increasing disconnect between what people earn from working and their income. Tax credits and housing benefit subsidise employers who don't pay a living wage. Now lump-sum handouts to families. Why not make the fuel companies reduce bills? Single people are suffering too!

Robert, Manchester, UK

wouldn't a simpler method of allocating the cash be to give each voter on election day 150 pound if they can show a completed ballot form cast for the labour party?

paul, brighouse, uk

Just another (which I'm sure won't be the last) pre-election bribe. He will more than take this back with another round of stealth taxes, bin tax, rubbish tax, tax on tax, tax, tax, tax.

Moorlok, Lancs, UK

As usual he is trying to buy votes from the middle classes...why doesnt he simply take all pensioners living onless than 10 thousand per year out of taxation and single people on that rate also...scrap all the tax credits d endless bureaucracy of applying for means tested benefits!!!

Jean , London, England

Perhaps Government servants could go 2nd class next time.

It's our money they are spending, not theirs.

Tom, Lichfield,

Why do I sit here and feel as if I am being punished for not having children ? anyone else feeling the same. Stupid and unfair idea that will only serve to alienate the hard working single parents.

debra steadman, Leicester, UK

To raise the tax threshold GBP150/- would be of significance and held all working people. Working couples, the majority of them have offspring, would benefit by GBP300/-.
Pensioners need more money to keep alive not holidays paid out of their taxes. Not bribes and Marie Antoinette's cake handouts

M. Butcher, W-s-M, England

You disgust me Gordon, this will be a stealth tax for those of us who choose not to have children, furthermore its a harsh stab in the back yet again, for those of us who have been told we cant have children.

debra steadman, Leicester, UK

Maybe a better plan would be to give to all those receiving Income Support, Incapacity Benefit & Child Tax Credits.
Everybody with a child can receive Child Benefits - even if earning £1m/yr - but not everybody can receive the other benefits.
Giving to ALL who receive Child Benefits is a stunt!!!

Jonathan Sklan-Willis, Manchester, England

Should I get my hopes up? Is this a clear indication that Gordon Brown is going to step down in order to fulfil a role that he apparently enjoys?...i.e. Santa Claus?

John Goode, Welwyn Garden City, UK

This is a stunt clearly aimed at the short term goal of winning votes. It taxes weren't so high he would not be in this position and trying to bribe voters by handing back some of their money.

Andrew, Melbourne, Oz

so...lets summarise...

We give 500m to families to spend on heating, then we tax the power companies 500m to pay for this.

so then what are the power companies going to do....???

Ben, Shanghai,

He still does'nt get the point it is not only young families that need help just now we all do!!

Neil, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire

Hey Brown, how about the familes that are not claming a penny and are far worse off then those claming benefits. It a diabolical discrase that those working should have to suffer in silence. Just goes to show that are government is not only ignorant but is out of touch with the whole of society !

jOHN mYATT, gLOUCESTER, gLOS

As a disaffected labour voter, I will vote Tory at the next election, but if Mr Brown quit, and the new leader who did not have strong ties with new labour, then I would vote labour again.

Peter James, Bedford, United Kingdom

How stupid do Labour think voters are?
If this were because of any sympathy for the plight of voters it might work. It is perfectly obvious that this is just another desperate attempt to buy votes. To do it with the voters own money is peurile. And which tax will rise to pay for this largesse?

Bernard, Edinburgh, Scotland

Great - and for us single people, nothing as usual.

What a ridiculous, unfair benefit.

Elaine G, Glasgow,

Once again we have political parties courting "hard-pressed families". I am still waiting for one that actually does something for single people like me who actually bear the brunt of taxation in this country.

I obviously don't need help with my fuel bills!

Stuart T, Plymouth, UK

If Brown really cared about the United Kingdom he would quit now.

Alex, London, UK

Brown doesn't give anything away except taxpayers money,which he throws around with gay abandon. Bribe after bribe to try and revive his rotten reputation.

Russell James, Aberdeen, Scotland