LIBERAL DEMOCRAT MP, Gideon Amos, has called for next week's budget to prioritise a cost-of-living support package.

The MP for Wellington says households risk being left unprotected against a sequence of rising bills as key pieces of temporary government support are set to expire by the spring, alongside an increase to the energy price cap in January.

The Liberal Democrats have warned that the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) living standards forecast will set a definitive test that chancellor John Healey will either pass or fail on October 28.

To protect household budgets, they are urging the chancellor to bring forward an emergency package to provide breathing space for the next 18 months, at a total cost of £14 billion funded through a windfall tax on the big banks, a clawback on energy network monopolies, and extra oil and gas revenues.

The three-point plan includes an essential energy guarantee to cut average annual bills by £100.

Mr Amos said: “Following Trump beginning an idiotic of a war in the Middle East, mortgage rates and costs are climbing again for every home in Taunton and Wellington.

“The stresses that's causing are bringing back memories of the impacts of the disastrous Truss budget when rates last shot up.

“Instead, what we need is some real breathing space and something that actually cuts bill payments for the essentials for everyone.

"That's why I'm enthused by this Lib Dem budget call for a cost-of-living support package, giving people and businesses lower VAT, cheaper travel and help with heating bills, as thousands of households already worry every day about keeping their homes warm.

"Choosing between heating and eating must not become a reality again this winter.

“The new Prime Minister has talked big about help with the cost of living; it's time his Chancellor took these concrete, costed steps to make life cheaper.”