South Lakeland council have come up with a great idea to reduce energy prices for its residents. Instead of residents approaching power companies singularly South Lakeland are providing bulk energy purchasing – both electricity and gas.

So far over a 1,000 households have signed up for this extra council service. Each household still have individual contracts but under the umbrella of a great centrally done deal using the much bigger buying power of a council.

This type of simple measure can really help lift people out of fuel poverty. A tiny commission is being made which is being ring fenced to help fund insulation driving down energy needs and further helping the very poorest.

Clearly such a scheme should be introduced into Southwark. And that’s exactly what I hope to persuade my party to call for in Southwark.