NORTH West Euro MP Chris Davies has given his support to a plan to introduce 'smart meters', which would check on gas and electricity use in every home.

MEPs have voted in favour of a new EU law which aims to increase energy efficiency, limit the growing problem of climate change, and also help to combat consumer debt.

The new smart meters would be installed in all new buildings, as well as in place of old meters. They would enable electricity and gas consumers to check how much energy they are consuming and at what cost.

Mr Davies said: "A major cause of personal debt in this country is having a huge gas or electricity bill land on your doormat after months or even years of estimated bills, or no bills at all. Liberal Democrat MEPs have introduced an amendment which will require gas and electricity bills to send accurate, regular bills based on actual consumption.

"This will make a real difference to vulnerable customers in helping them to save money by cutting their energy use and in stopping the widespread problem of serious debt."