LOCAL MP Rachel Gilmour has called on the Government to freeze energy bills following Ofgem’s announcement that the energy price cap will rise again in January.

Mrs Gilmour also called on the Government to reinstate winter fuel payments or risk pensioners in her Tiverton and Minehead constituency ‘being clobbered’ in the coming months by bill rises and cuts to support.

Her call followed Ofgem announcing the energy price cap will rise to £1,738 a year in January, following a previous 10 per cent rise in October.

Liberal Democrats want the Government to cancel the rise in energy bills to avoid households facing even higher costs in the New Year.

Mrs Gilmour said: “People here in Tiverton and Minehead should not have to face the prospect of once again having to fork out even more for their energy bills this winter.

“This energy price rise cannot go ahead.

“I have heard already from countless people in our area about how worried they are that this winter they will have to choose between heating and eating.

“For many pensioners this price rise coincides with the cut to winter fuel payments.

“Bill rises and less support will leave many struggling to keep warm this winter.

“The Government pledged to bring down energy bills.

“It is time for them to live up to their word, cancel this bill rise, and protect families and pensioners this winter.”

Ofgem said the second price cap rise this winter would mean a ‘typical household’ paying £1.75 a month more.