The number of families with children who cannot afford their energy bills has hit a 10 year high, according to new figures uncovered by Labour.

In total there are over one million families with children in fuel poverty in England, including 348,000 single parent families. This means that about one in six families with children are in fuel poverty. The average gap between a family’s energy bill and what they can afford is nearly £400 a year.

Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, who uncovered the figures, said:

“Under the Tories’ failing plan, Britain is facing an energy bill crisis, with a million families who can’t afford their energy bills, and millions more worrying about how they’ll make ends meet this winter.

“That’s why the next Labour Government will freeze energy prices until 2017, saving the average household £120, and fix the energy market for the future, with a tough new regulator to curb rip-off bills.

“One of the main reasons our energy bills are so high is that our homes are some of the least energy efficient in Europe – leaking heat from their roofs, walls and windows. That’s why Labour will upgrade at least five million homes over 10 years. Our plans will mean cheaper bills and warmer homes for millions.”