THE UK Government should provide a package of support for the UK’s most disadvantaged people this winter according to a local MP.

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards has called on the UK Government to announce a package of support for the most disadvantaged society this winter, ahead of the government’s autumn statement.

The call came following an event in Parliament hosted by Citizens Advice, National Energy Action and Energy UK which was attended by Mr Edwards.

He said: “Despite recent falls in costs, domestic energy prices are still running at twice the long-term average. As we face the winter months, the support schemes available last year.

“Research by Citizens Advice indicate that so far this year 7.8 million people have had to borrow to pay their energy costs. As we approach the Chancellor’s big announcement in November on tax and spend policies, I hope he will be looking at measures to help the most disadvantaged in society.

“The treasury has raked in billions in extra VAT receipts as a result of soaring prices and this money should be reinvested. There is also a clear case to increase taxation on energy companies who are making record profits and using that money to invest in household energy efficiency and developing a long-term social tariff to help the poorest.”

It is not the first time that Mr Edwards has called for support for those most in need, with his first speech in parliament in 2010 being in fuel poverty.

Mr Edwards is calling on the chancellor to redirect billions in VAT receipts collected by the treasury due to the rising fuel prices into support schemes for low-income households with bills and energy efficiency.