Energy firms should be banned from being able to forcibly install prepayment meters in customers’ homes, MPs have said.

A cross-party letter has been sent to the UK Government demanding action on the installation of the meters and the higher charges customers are forced to pay.

Alison Thewliss, Glasgow Central SNP MP, is one of the MPs, calling for a ban.

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She said: “People across my constituency should not be forced onto these prepayment meters, particularly during this difficult cost-of-living crisis.

“Companies should not be granted the opportunity to put their customers in an inhumane position to choose between heating their homes or feeding their children.

“The Government must ban the forced installation of prepayment meters and move vulnerable people off these meters immediately. If the Government does not provide financial support now, then families across the country will be forced into unnecessary poverty.”

Energy Minister Grant Shapps was asked about the meters and what the government was doing to protect vulnerable customers during questions in the House of Commons.

Labour MP, Kerry McCarthy asked: “As temperatures once again reach freezing point across the UK this week, will the Government introduce an immediate moratorium on the forced installation of prepayment meters while their use is reviewed?”

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Shapps replied: “It is a matter of considerable concern that anybody should be removed from their power or heating.

“We have specifically asked the energy authorities not to go down that line and asked Ofgem to do the same.

“As I mentioned just moments ago, officials are actively working on this issue, with a letter ready to go to Ofgem as well.

“She is right to highlight this issue. We do not want to see people cut off during this cold weather. “We will return to the House with more detail.”

Anne McLaughlin, Glasgow Provan SNP MP, highlighted a petition on pre-payment meters.

She said: “If someone on a pre-payment meter stops paying, normally because they simply do not have the money, their energy will automatically be cut off.

“It is called self-disconnection and it happens when the customer is in as little debt as £5. It is completely unjust.”