SIR David Crausby is calling on the Government to do more to improve energy efficiency in rented homes.

There are 14,800 households in the Bolton borough facing fuel poverty and many more around the country, according to figures revealed by the Bolton North East MP last year.

The number of private rented homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or worse increased between 2010 and 2015.

Sir David is now calling for action to ensure landlords keep their properties up to a good standard.

He said: “Landlords are failing in their responsibilities to tenants if they are renting out homes that come with a huge energy cost that puts people’s wellbeing at risk.

“We should be improving housing standards but these figures show that we’re going backwards.

“If the Government is serious about addressing fuel poverty they need to do more to encourage landlords to upgrade their leaky, drafty and damp properties.”