The MP for Brent Central and the leader of the Labour Party have launched a campaign in the House of Commons to tackle the higher costs of using prepayment gas and electricity meters.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Dawn Butler MP and launched her PrePayRipOff campaign with Jeremy CorbynDawn Butler MP and launched her PrePayRipOff campaign with Jeremy Corbyn (Image: Archant)

The #PrePayRipOff crusade sees Labour’s Dawn Butler and Jeremy Corbyn calling for action to stop the ‘big six’ energy companies charging prepayment customers more than those who are billed.

The campaign was kick-started with the launch of a petition on behalf of more than 13,000 residents in Brent who use the prepayment method.

Ms Butler said: “It is about time someone stood up to the big six energy companies on behalf of the most vulnerable energy consumers who are being left out of pocket.

“The cost of energy is at an all-time low yet prices keep going up.

“The government need to take action to force energy companies to pass on these savings to consumers. If you support my campaign add your voice by signing the petition.”

According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, research shows that pre-payment meter customers on average pay £226 a year extra compared to those on the cheapest direct debit tariff.

Ms Butler added that one in five prepayment customers in Brent are in fuel poverty.

Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s mayoral hopeful, was also at the campaign launch.

He said: “One in five households in London have no choice but to use prepayment meters to pay their bills. This could be costing the most disadvantaged families in the capital an additional £140 million a year.

“I am calling on the energy companies to automatically give Londoners the best possible deal on their energy tariffs and ensure the most disadvantaged in our communities are given reduced standing rates.”

Sign the petition online by going to chn.ge/1P83QSC.