RESIDENTS are being urged to express an interest in a bulk energy-buying plan being put together by council chiefs.

Cherwell District Council wants to secure a cheaper deal for domestic electricity and gas customers if enough sign up.

It would work with bulk-buying firm iChoosr to negotiate a deal for those who sign up.

Lead member for clean and green Nigel Morris said: “We view having power to your home and putting food on the table as basic human rights.

“Families should not have to choose between the two. We have a close association with food banks in the district and are now looking at how we might help people source cheaper energy.”

The council says it hopes the scheme could be taken up by other local authorities.

British Gas prices go up six per cent this month while electricity provider SSE put up prices by nine per cent last month.