The PM has asked the Chancellor to look at scrapping gas standing charges amid fears some households would be worse off

Andy Burnham told PMQs he has directed Chancellor John Healey and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh to review the fixed daily fees. The pair must report back to MPs 'at the earliest opportunity'. The levies typically cost households around £100 a year, with one estimate putting the saving at £108. Families already face another big rise in bills from January.

Ofgem's price cap rose four per cent at the start of October.

Burnham made the pledge while clashing with Kemi Badenoch over approving the Jackdaw gas field.

Standing charges are a flat daily cost that does not vary with a household's energy consumption.