Almost one in five households - over 300,000 - are now living in fuel poverty according to shocking figures released by Consumer Focus.

A coalition of ten campaigning organisations, including Consumer Focus, is urging local MPs to back a new Bill that would end the scandal of fuel poverty.

The Fuel Poverty Bill provides a huge opportunity to tackle the shameful fuel poverty levels in the East Midlands and the rest of England. It aims to 'fuel poverty proof' homes by making them as energy efficient as a home built today. This could reduce energy bills by up to 70% and improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions. It would also ensure that energy firms provide the lowest price deals (social tariffs) for vulnerable households until their homes are 'fuel poverty proofed'.

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The coalition is urging MPs to help lift thousands of their poorest constituents out of fuel poverty by being in Parliament on Friday 20 March and voting for the bill, which will be introduced by David Heath MP. It is also asking the public to write to their MP to ask them to be there to vote and not in their constituencies on that day.

Recent meagre energy price cuts have barely put a dent in fuel poverty levels, with at least 3.5 million households still struggling to afford to heat their homes in England. Many of the poorest older people, disabled people, and families are cutting back on their heating or other essentials as a result, which could put their health at risk.

Consumer Focus Fuel Poverty Campaigner Jonathan Stearn said: "The devastating impact of high energy prices on those living in fuel poverty can be ended by making homes much more energy efficient. However, we need the support of MPs, not just warm words, if they are to help bring thousands of their poorest constituents in from the cold.

"By writing to their local MP to ask that they support the bill, people can help to lift millions of the poorest consumers out of fuel poverty and improve the environment for future generations."

(CD/JM)