OPPOSITION councillors claim residents living in fuel poverty across Essex have missed out on a share of £88million.

Labour claims Tory-run Essex County Council did not apply for cash from the Government’s Green Deal Communities Fund for energy efficiency measures.

Deputy group leader Ivan Henderson, who is also Labour opposition leader on Tendring Council, said the Conservatives had tried to hit the fuel poverty debate “into the long grass” by referring the issue to a scrutiny committee.

“Essex Tories are completely out of touch on this issue and don’t understand that families are struggling to pay their bills,” said Mr Henderson.

“Neighbouring authorities secured large chunks of an £88million Green Deal Communities Fund aimed at tackling fuel poverty in April this year – some received millions.

"Essex failed to bid for any of this money, which could have been used to insulate homes or provide energy efficient boilers or solar panels.

“This is a huge missed opportunity to support those people who are worst off in our communities.”

Tendring has the highest number of people in fuel poverty – when a with almost 12,500 – compared to 9,370 in Colchester.