ROMSEY’S MP joined a protest at the heart of government after it emerged that more than 5,500 of her constituents were living in fuel poverty.

Sandra Gidley was outside the House of Commons with pensioner, Margaret Joseph, to show her support for a proposed Fuel Poverty Bill.

She joined members of Help the Aged and Friends of the Earth as it was revealed that more than 15 per cent of the area’s most vulnerable residents were struggling to keep warm in winter.

She said: “Improved energy efficiency is a powerful and sustainable way to bring down people’s energy bills and make homes healthier and, ultimately, it could save lives.

“Increased energy efficiency will stem the tide of rising bills and ensure that even the area’s poorest pensioners can keep their houses warm for the whole year.”

The Fuel Poverty Bill is aimed at encouraging energy companies to offer vulnerable customers the cheapest possible tariffs.

It would also pave the way for the launch of a major energy efficiency programme to bring six million UK homes up to the energy efficiency standards of modern homes.

Mrs Gidley added: “Rest assured that I will do all I can persuade my fellow MPs to support this bill so that the Test Valley’s pensioners don’t have to face a choice between heating and eating ever again.”

This week, Mrs Gidley also urged constituents to save money on household utility bills by signing up for the energy-efficiency schemes on offer.

Many vulnerable people have access to free energy efficiency measures, but they are not taking them up, said the MP.

British Gas, for example, offer free home insulation to anyone over the age of 70, on income or disability benefits. Other companies have similar offers.