As the cold winter weather finally bites it is a good time to highlight the fact that a staggering 16.5% of families in the South West are suffering from fuel poverty, against a national average of 8.5%. Many are forced to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. Meanwhile the Big Six energy companies rake in eye-watering profits. This is a scandal that must be tackled.

Which is why the Green Party is supporting a new cross-party campaign called End the Big Six Energy Fix putting forward three simple and sensible solutions.

Firstly, the Government must impose a levy on the Big Six energy companies. This could raise billions of punds that could be ring-fenced and used to ensure that every home is insulated and highly energy-efficient, starting with the homes of the fuel-poor. This would also help to create thousands of new skilled jobs.

Secondly, to prevent energy companies passing the cost of any levy on to customers, the Government should give the industry regulator Ofgem the power to cap prices.

Thirdly, the Government must launch a public inquiry into the Big Six energy companies, an industry with a huge image and trust problem.

These measures and reforms will ensure we have an energy market and an industry that serve people and planet before profit.

Andrew Bell, Policy Officer and candidate for St David's ward

See published letter on This is Exeter website