A NEW survey claims Ryedale has the highest fuel poverty levels in Yorkshire.

The survey, carried out by the Energy Bill Revolution group, said 10,025 households in the Thirsk and Malton constituency – 23.5 per cent of the total number of homes - were classed as being “fuel poor”, which means more than ten per cent of their income is spent on maintaining an “adequate level” of warmth.

Scarborough and Whitby was the next highest constituency, with 10,123 households (22.6 per cent) falling into the fuel-poverty category, while Skipton and Ripon had the fourth highest levels in Yorkshire.

A campaign calling for Government action has been backed by 135 MPs.