With more energy companies expected to follow suit, people in Blaenau Gwent and elsewhere are facing a growing situation where basics such as food and heating are no longer guaranteed.

The Blaenau Gwent MP, who helped out on a food bank collection at Ebbw Vale Tesco on Saturday, petitioned the Government in the House of Commons for real action after the Trussell Trust reported an 800% increase in food bank demand.

Now with the latest announcement of bill increases, Mr Smith said the Government were unwilling to face up to the crisis they helped create.

“As we all know, our winters can be bitter. The last few years have been a real testament to that, with national snow chaos coverage always seeming to concentrate on Blaenau Gwent”, he said.

“I’ve seen firsthand with the small help I’ve offered the hard-working volunteers of the food banks that people are pouring through the doors.

“So what is going to happen when people already can’t afford food and are now facing extra demand on their heating and gas bills?

“I’ve repeatedly challenged the Government to face up to this reality rather than crow about an economic recovery ordinary people aren’t taking part in.

“Instead they are willing to pay the price for watching idly by as energy companies report record profits and millionaires get tax breaks.

“Labour’s policy to take a good look at energy prices feels more necessary by every passing day. I want places such as Blaenau Gwent to be protected from the relentless drive of profit over people.

“With winter on the way, this is as good a place as any to start.”