Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has tabled a Commons Motion demanding energy companies reduce their prices.

The price of oil – the main driver of wholesale gas prices and a major factor in the price of electricity – has now fallen by almost three-quarters since it hit a record high of $147 a barrel in July of this year.

However, household bills have not reduced with the average bill standing at £1,303, up 43% from the beginning of 2008.

Lindsay is calling for the government to step in if the energy companies refuse to reduce prices as a matter of urgency.

He said: “When the price of oil increased we saw energy companies react immediately with huge inflation-busting increases in our energy bills.

"Now oil prices have fallen we hear excuses from the energy companies as to why prices can not be reduced.

"This is simply not good enough and if companies do not reduce prices the government should take action to ensure that prices are cut.

As we enter the depths of winter people’s need for gas and electricity is at an all time high and the cost of energy is a major issue for people.

The current situation can not be allowed to continue and the message to the energy companies is simple – enough is enough.