SOARING energy bills have left an estimated 7,500 homes in the Bridgwater area in fuel poverty this winter, according to figures highlighted by Liberal Democrats.

Bridgwater Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Theo Butt Philip is demanding the Government acts to help people struggling to pay their fuel bills and is calling on MPs of all parties to back the Fuel Poverty Bill being introduced by Somerton and Frome Lib Dem MP David Heath.

Mr Butt Philip said: "These estimates from Consumer Focus are shocking.

"Almost one in five households here in the Bridgwater constituency is in fuel poverty this winter. The situation here is worse than in any other part of Somerset.

"It's not hard to see the culprit. Over the last five years, average gas and electricity bills have more than doubled.

"The prices being paid by energy companies for fuel on the wholesale markets are coming down but the companies aren't passing on the cuts to their customers. I am calling on the Government to take urgent action to help people struggling with high fuel bills."

The Fuel Poverty Bill currently in Parliament, proposed by Mr Heath, would deliver a home insulation programme which promises to halve the energy required to heat the average home.