LOCAL MP David Chaytor has called on the government to extend its investigation of electricity standing charges to gas, telephone and water bills.

Trade Secretary Stephen Byers has asked the energy regulator to look at the wide regional variations in electricity standing charges.

But Bury North MP Mr Chaytor wants the other utilities included in the probe.

The Labour backbencher said: "Standing charges are simply unfair and discriminate against pensioners and people on low incomes.

"Looking at electricity charges is a good start. For people in Bury who pay by pre-payment meter, Norweb standing charges account for over 14 per cent of their bill.

"This is one of the highest levels in the country and is 75 per cent more than the amount paid in standing charges by people who pay by direct debit.

"It is a fact that around one third of the poorest families pay by pre-payment meter, while less than three per cent of well-off families do.

"The present system penalises people who can least afford it. The same is true of pensioners, where standing charges can account for almost one third of their typical bill."

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