Vulnerable homeowners 'should receive fuel bill support'

Discounted energy tariffs should be made available to a wide range of vulnerable homeowners, according to one consumer body.

Consumer Focus suggests that it is important energy bills are made as low as they can be for the likes of disabled people and the elderly.

Speaking after the government's recent publication of its Energy Bill, Consumer Focus energy expert Jonathan Stearn said: "To help the around 6.6 million households struggling to afford to heat their homes this winter, we also want to see a more radical package of fuel poverty measures introduced."

He added that the government's proposals should apply to a variety of different social groups - news which may appeal to those who are currently having to find ways to get credit in order to meet their fuel bill costs.

Consumer Focus has also recently welcomed separate government plans, which could offer more protection to people who use credit cards.