A SOUTHAMPTON MP is calling for more support for households amid the new energy price cap rise.

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced the cap will rise to £3,549 from October 1 - an increase of 80 per cent or £1,571.

The cap is expected to affect 24 million households in England, Scotland and Wales and will remain in place until it is adjusted again on December 31.

Labour MP Alan Whitehead, who represents Southampton Test, is calling for an emergency budget to help families struggling with the rising cost of living.

Read more: Energy price cap will be 'devastating' to Southampton residents

In a series of tweets published on Friday, Mr Whitehead said: “New energy price cap for October set by Ofgem at £3,549 - an 80% increase. 8.9m in fuel poverty.

“Yet the government are offering no solutions to the households and businesses that will be crippled by this rise.”

He added: “The suggestion that £400 is enough to help households deal with the spectacular energy price rises we are seeing is a total insult.

“Why should oil and gas companies be making record profits while ordinary people suffer?

“We need far bigger ideas from gov, and we need them fast.”

Read more: Southampton residents anxious over cost of living crisis

No immediate extra help will be announced by Boris Johnson’s Government, with major financial decisions being postponed until either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak takes over No 10.

However, in an article for Mail+, Mr Johnson said whoever succeeds him as prime minister will announce “another huge package of financial support”.

His words come after Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi suggested people earning around £45,000 per year could be among those struggling to cope with soaring living costs as the energy price cap is hiked again.

Based on Wednesday’s gas prices, experts at energy consultancy Auxilione estimate the cap will reach £5,210 in January and £6,823 in April.

The winner of the Tory leadership contest is expected to be revealed by September 5.

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