Excessive heating bills could be avoided this winter if people make use of government grants, according to MP for Poplar and Limehouse Jim Fitzpatrick.

He has lent his support to a new charity-run campaign which aims to raise awareness of the help available to people under the government’s Warm Front scheme, which is targeting the estimated six million people around the UK who plan to reduce their expenditure on heating this winter.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Energy bills are a big worry for many people in Poplar and Limehouse. I would strongly urge anyone worried about their bills to contact their local Age UK or Citizens Advice to find out if they can get the help they need to bring the bills down.”