THE majority of the public would back changes to the Energy Bill so the government can ban forced installation of prepayment meters (PPMs), new figures reveal today.

Research by the Warm This Winter campaign found that half of the public believe there should be a permanent ban of the forced transfer of households onto PPMs to ensure they pay off their energy debts, with a further 23 per cent backing a ban while energy bills stay high.

The Energy Bill, which is back in the House of Commons today for a second reading, currently does not include provisions for a ban.