As bills soar, it’s clear that a decade of Conservative dither, delay and incompetence has created a deepening energy price crisis here in Britain – with hardworking families in St Helens North paying the price.

Ministers could act urgently and decisively, now, to help local families feeling the pinch – but shockingly they won’t. Instead, they’re hiking up taxes for working people at the worst time imaginable.

Labour in power would do things differently. To alleviate the current crisis, we’d take immediate, fully-funded steps to reduce the impact of the expected energy price rise in April – saving most households some £200 or more. And we’d target extra support to the squeezed middle, pensioners and the lowest earners, receiving up to £600 on bills and preventing all of the increase in energy bills as currently predicted.

Our plan would keep energy bills lower for the future too. We’d reduce our country’s reliance on imported gas by accelerating home-grown renewables and new nuclear initiatives. We would ensure 19 million homes are warm and well-insulated, saving the average household some £400 a year. And we’d regulate the energy market properly, so firms can’t play fast and loose with the rules.

Labour would pay for this with a windfall tax on North Sea Oil and Gas producers, who are expected to report “near record” income in 2021/22. At a time when so many people locally are struggling to pay their bills, it’s only right and fair that those profiting pay their proper share.

The Conservatives just don’t get this. They’ve fallen asleep at the wheel, causing a cost of living crisis for people in St Helens North – one that’s spiralling well out of control.

Agree? Add your name here to back Labour’s plan to keep energy bills low and give families security today.