A BRADFORD MP has written to Boris Johnson after new figures suggested more than half of neighbourhoods in the district would be some of the worst affected when the price cap rises in October.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, argued that Bradford has already been disproportionately affected by austerity and a lack of investment, and added that the district has one of the highest child poverty rates in the country.

Ms Shah urged the Government to step up support for the region, and accused those in power of being “stagnant” thus far.

“People are being forced to make difficult choices about how to pay their bills,” Ms Shah said in her letter.

“New analysis highlighted that more than 160 neighbourhoods in Bradford will be worst impacted by the energy crisis when the price cap rises.

“The study was undertaken by a climate charity, Friends of the Earth, and it claimed that 162 out of 310 neighbourhoods in Bradford will be at the greatest risk of financial hardship.

“It means 52 per cent of neighbourhoods in the area are among the worst affected across England and Wales.”

Ms Shah also cited research by Electric Radiators Direct, which suggested that Bradford ranks highest in the country for the difference between the average resident’s yearly income and the average yearly cost of their energy bills.

The study claimed that the average Bradfordian spends 10.5 per cent of their salary on bills, more than any other city or town.

“Families across Bradford have faced a decade of austerity that has had a devastating impact on schools, policing, jobs, healthcare, and everyday services,” Ms Shah continued.

“The people of Bradford haven't benefited from investment and funding which could have prepared them for this crisis.

“Savings for many families have completely depleted and as we come to the winter, families will literally starve unless there is urgent action from government.

“I was elected to represent the people of Bradford West and yet whilst families in Bradford will be facing the toughest choices in a generation, the Government is stagnant, and parliament continues with recess.

“I cannot sit silently and accept inaction when I know the difficult choices so many in my constituency are facing.

“Therefore, I urge you to recall parliament and immediately work with the Conservative party leadership candidates and MPs across the House to agree a form of action to support people, before this crisis completely spirals out of control.”