Tim Farron: Liz Truss must act now to freeze energy bills

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has called on the newly elected Conservative Leader Liz Truss to immediately freeze energy bills, to protect local families and businesses from soaring prices. It comes as the Liberal Democrats have tabled legislation in Parliament this week, signed by Tim to cancel October's energy bill rise - saving the average household around £1,500 this year. The draft Bill would also offer grants to small businesses of up to £50,000 to cover 80% of their energy bills, saving pubs, restaurants and high street shops from closing their doors this winter. The Liberal Democrats are calling on Conservative MPs in Cumbria to back their legislation to offer immediate help to local families and businesses with the cost of living crisis. Tim said: "The Conservatives have spent months failing to act on soaring energy bills, leaving local residents in despair and small businesses going to the wall. "They have shown they are completely out of touch with people in Cumbria struggling to get by. "Liz Truss must listen to Liberal Democrat calls to freeze energy bills to save families and pensioners from an economic catastrophe this winter. "We have tabled a Bill to freeze energy bills, which could be brought in on day one to offer the help that local families and businesses need