STEPS need to be taken to help millions of people across the UK, who are "drowning in energy debt", East Lothian's MP Kenny MacAskill told a Westminster debate.

With Ofgem estimating debt energy levels of £3.1 billion, Mr MacAskill yesterday led a Westminster Hall debate, supported by Energy Action Scotland, National Energy Action, Age Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland, on levels of household energy debt.

Mr MacAskill, Alba depute leader, called on the UK Government to bring forward a package of measures to address the spiralling levels of household energy debt.

Measures could include a social tariff for the poorest and most vulnerable customers, a halt to the forced installation of pre-payment meters and a wholescale review and overhaul of the Warm Home Discount scheme, which Mr MacAskill labelled "inadequate" with the current level of £150 denied to many who are entitled and in need.

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The politician said: "As suggested by National Energy Action there requires to be a debt write off scheme.

"The amount owed and the numbers in debt are such that full repayment can never be made by many.

"The only way that much can be reduced is for support through matching payments being made.

"The details of the scheme can be discussed but the principle should be non-negotiable.

"It needn't be a blank cheque for others simply to cease paying.

"It can be time limited to debt incurred during this fuel crisis or other criteria.

"Banks were bailed out, PPE wastage if not fraud has been written off, and there seems unlimited funds for weapons of war but not a war on poverty.

"If assistance can be given to the few, then similar support should be provided for the many."

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National Energy Action, the fuel poverty charity, estimate that, even with new price cap levels, six million households in the UK will be in fuel poverty.

At the same time, the average debt has doubled in the last 12 months, with the number of households in debt up by a fifth.

Mr MacAskill added: "In summary energy debt levels are rising and with winter looming fears for access to warmth and power, as well as simply keeping body and soul together are increasing.

"These are basic human needs and should be human rights.

"Action needs taken to ease the cost of energy and reduce the burden of debt for the poorest and most vulnerable."