Government faces backlash over plans to tackle fuel poverty by giving individuals' financial details to energy firms

The Government wants power companies to be able to contact those on low incomes and certain benefits to let them know about assistance programmes.

However, opposition MPs raised concerns over the idea of sharing such sensitive information  -  a move which would need a change in data protection laws.

'Pathetic': Campaigners say Government measures to tackle fuel poverty will not help the most vulnerable meet rising costs

Bills: Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks says the numbers of people in fuel poverty are increasing

The plan is part of a package of measures unveiled by the Government to tackle fuel poverty. This is when a household spends more than ten per cent of income on heating and lighting.

However, the proposals were branded 'pathetic' after it emerged that extra funding for a Citizens Advice campaign to increase awareness of the help available amounts to just £50 per branch.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has admitted that annual energy bills are likely to top £1,000 in the near future, but he insisted the Government is determined to do more to help those worst affected.

He underlined an agreement announced last month that energy firms would put £225million towards tackling fuel poverty.

Mr Wicks also defended the idea of sharing data with energy companies.

'The problem has been that because of data protection laws, we haven't always been able to say to electricity and gas companies that these people need help.

'We have to do that with sensitivity. None of us likes our data being spread around the place willy-nilly. But I think it's sensible to get that new power for us. I think probably the numbers in fuel poverty are increasing.

'It is the job of government here to make sure that the most vulnerable people  -  elderly people, and families with children  -  get the help that is available.'

But Tory work and pensions spokesman Chris Grayling said: 'I think pensioners and families will be horrified by the idea that details of their financial affairs are being given to private companies by the Government.

'Once you start doing these things, where does it lead?

'Obviously we want support for the poorest pensioners and families  -  but I have real doubts, given the appalling track record, that we can trust the Government to provide details in a way that's safe, secure and effective.'

Help the Aged described the measures as a 'sticking plaster to hold back a catastrophe'.

And Dot Gibson, vice-president of the National Pensioners Convention, said the plans would have very little effect on those suffering from fuel poverty. She added: 'Around 2.4million pensioner households are spending more than ten per cent of their income on fuel bills, and what they need is greater assistance in paying those bills.

'It's time the Government intervened to prevent the energy companies making profits at the expense of vulnerable pensioners.'

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg accused the Government of a 'pathetic piece of tinkering'.

He said: 'Tens of thousands of people will die next winter from the cold while energy companies enjoy a £9billion windfall profit.

'The Government should simply insist that this massive subsidy enjoyed by the energy companies should be used to help the most vulnerable families.'