BOLTON residents cannot afford another year of the government ignoring the ‘cost of living crisis’, according to Labour MP Julie Hilling.

The MP for Bolton West called for reform of the energy market during a Parliamentary debate on the price of energy and housing, and a freeze on household bills.

Addressing Conservative MP Jeremy Lefroy, she said: “It is not only about a 20-month freeze, but about reforming the energy market.”

Mr Lefroy said energy markets needed reform.

He added: “But to expect that that will keep energy prices frozen, or at least at a stable level, when we are subject to world energy prices is to some extent pie in the sky.”