Nearly 12,000 families across Hounslow are struggling to heat their homes, shocking statistics suggest.

A total of 11,933 households in the borough are classed as living in 'fuel poverty', meaning they spend 10 per cent or more of their income on energy bills.

Consumer Focus, which highlighted the figures, has called on MPs to back new rules it claims will put an end to the 'scandal'.

The Fuel Poverty Bill, due to be heard in Parliament on March 20, would provide extra funding for insulation and ensure energy providers offer poor families are offered their cheapest tariffs.

Jonathan Stearn, the watchdog's fuel poverty campaigner, said: "The devastating impact of high energy price on those living in fuel poverty can be ended by making homes much more energy efficient.

"However, we need the support of MPs, not just warm words, if they are to help bring thousands of their poorest constituents in from the cold."

In Brentford & Isleworth MP Ann Keen's constituency, 14.3 per cent (6,657) of households are living in fuel poverty, compared with a London average of 15.1 per cent. In Feltham & Heston MP Alan Keen's constituency, that figure is 14.1 per cent (5,276).