Tom Greatrex MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister, commenting on a study by the Federation of Small Businesses into the energy market for small businesses, said:

“This survey reveals the true extent of David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis, hitting businesses just as hard as it hits families.

“That’s why the next Labour government will undertake the biggest overhaul of our energy market since privatisation. Our plans will stop energy companies locking small businesses into expensive auto-rollover contracts, restrict back-billing to a maximum of one year and ensure all suppliers treat small businesses fairly. Until these reforms kick in, we will put a stop to unfair price rises by freezing energy bills until 2017, saving the average business £5,500.”