Eight-out-of-10 pensioners in London’s deprived East End are paying too much for their gas and electricity, according to Tower Hamlets councillors.

Now Labour members on the council are backing a national campaign for companies to put those over 75 on the cheapest tariff—by law.

Cllr Rachael Saunders, Labour’s Adult Care spokesperson, said: “It’s no surprise that 80 per cent are paying over the odds with 400 tariffs on offer.

“This rip-off must end—the big energy companies must make sure those over 75 are on the cheapest deal.”

Nearly 8,000 in Tower Hamlets are paying �200 a year more than they need to, according to estimates. Labour is calling on the Government to legislate for energy companies to put the over-75s on the lowest tariff automatically.