Liverpool City Council has launched a not-for-profit energy company to tackle fuel poverty.

The Liverpool Energy Community Company (LECCY) has promised to offer gas and electricity cheaper than that offered by the Big Six energy suppliers. 

It will also offer advice to households to help them move off costly prepayment meters and on to cheaper direct debit tariffs.

Liverpool mayor, Joe Anderson, said: ‘One in three households in Liverpool pay over the odds for their gas and electricity because they have prepayment meters, which are far more expensive than other tariffs.

‘We're not out to make a profit for shareholders like other energy suppliers and will instead focus on delivering the best value for local people.

‘We won't be offering gimmicks or introductory loss-leaders.

'What we will be doing is offering good value tariffs and helping people to get the best deal for them.

'This is part of our commitment to supporting residents in difficult times, helping them save money to offset the impact of austerity.'