South Lakeland DC (SLDC) will negotiate directly with energy suppliers in order to slash residents' electricity and gas bills and tackle fuel poverty, The MJ has learnt.

Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson, environment and sustainability portfolio holder at SLDC, who is fronting the innovative scheme, said the initiative is based on existing commercial models whereby businesses join forces to procure energy supplies. Many businesses secure discounts of up to 75% – compared with prices charged to residents – when joining forces to buy energy.