LIB Dem MP for Tiverton and Honiton Richard Foord has called on newly elected Conservative Leader Liz Truss to immediately freeze energy bills, to protect local families and businesses from soaring prices.

It comes as the Liberal Democrats have tabled legislation in Parliament this week, signed by Foord, to cancel October’s energy bill rise – saving the average household around £1,500 this year

The draft Bill would also offer grants to small businesses of up to £50,000 to cover 80per cent of their energy bills, saving pubs, restaurants and high street shops from closing their doors this winter.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Conservative MPs in Devon to back their legislation to offer immediate help to local families and businesses with the cost of living crisis.

Mr Foord said: ‘Liz Truss and the Conservatives have spent months failing to act on soaring energy bills, leaving local residents in despair and small businesses going to the wall.

‘They have shown they are completely out of touch with people in the West Country who are struggling to get by.

‘It is time that Conservative MPs across Devon finally listened to Liberal Democrat calls to freeze energy bills to save families and pensioners from an economic catastrophe this winter.

‘We have tabled legislation to freeze energy bills, which could be brought in on day one to offer the help that local families and businesses need.’