FUEL poverty affects 12.5 per cent of people living in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, the seventh highest proportion in London.

Campaigners Energy Bill Revolution – an alliance of 80 charities – released the figures as part of its pursuit for a Government insulation scheme which would see energy bills cut and would be paid for by recycling carbon taxes.

The figures show that 4,063 of the area’s 32,567 households are estimated to live in fuel poverty – which means they spend 10 per cent or more of their income on energy to keep warm.

Nationwide, the problem is estimated to affect one in four households.

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett said: “I was concerned to read about the figures published and the impact that fuel poverty is having on my constituents. I have taken a keen interest in this issue, having previously tabled Parliamentary questions.”

He said the Government has kept the Winter Fuel Allowance, introduced a £1.1billion warm homes discount scheme for low-income households and legislated for a Green Deal.

Director of Transform UK, which co-ordinates the campaign, Ed Matthew said: "It is scandalous that anyone in a developed country should face the choice of whether to buy food or heat their home. From next year the Government will have the money to end the blight of fuel poverty. This is the most fair and just solution and we hope all MPs will join the 135 MPs who are currently supporting it."

Join the campaign at energybillrevolution.org