Labour: Energy bills will be 'higher this winter'

Labour have said the government is not "standing up" to the big energy companies and ministers' plans to help reduce the cost of energy bills do not go far enough.

On Monday, British Gas and Scottish and Southern Energy both said they would reduce dual fuel bills by around £50 next year because the government is to cut the green levies they face.

Speaking to the House of Commons, shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint said ministers had been too soft on energy firms.

"In the package of measures that was announced today there was not a single measure that will cost the energy companies a single penny," she said.

Ms Flint added: "Hundreds of millions of taxpayers' money is being spent, energy companies are helping fewer households with fuel efficiency and yet people's bills will still be higher this winter than last."