North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson has called on the UK Government to support struggling households as new research estimates that household energy bills have increased by an average of £32.31 per month under lockdown.

Comparethemarket.com found that 72 per cent of consumers surveyed have increased energy use, with 48 per cent citing family members working from home. The site estimates the extra usage could lead to a 37 per cent rise in average energy bills, pushing up household bills by £32.31 per month, or £387 a year.

 Gibson, the SNP spokesperson for consumer affairs, said: “There is no denying that high energy costs can seriously impact people’s financial resilience and this at a time when millions of people are already struggling on a reduced income because of the lockdown.

 “People should use this time at home to check if they’re getting the best deal from their domestic energy provider, although not all consumers can engage in the switching process. Suppliers need to do more to ensure that these customers are not trapped in poor deals.

 “Electricity and gas consumers across Scotland using standard credit and prepayment meters face bills approximately 10 per cent higher than those able to use direct debit and this must be addressed.

 “Across the UK, 70 per cent of customers are on a default standard variable tariff, which means that 16 million homes are paying more for their energy than they should.

“The UK Government must act to protect those who are currently very poorly served and overcharged.”

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