An ex-soldier and dad who relies on food banks due to rocketing bills has welcomed Liz Truss' plan to cap energy bills.

Harry Lay, 36, said rising household and food costs have left his family "in despair", forced to choose between buying food and keeping their kids warm.

The Wiltshire stepdad-of-three from lives in social housing with his wife, Kittie, 36, and her kids.

The family receives Universal Credit but they still struggle to make ends meet each month.

Following Prime Minister Liz Truss’ announcement of a £2,500 cap on household energy bills, Harry said it would be “welcomed with open arms from all”.

He said: “Hopefully the new prime minister will prioritise the needs of the British people and continue to do so.

“The question is, does she have the guts and morale courage to put a stop to corporate greed?

“The job of the prime minister is not to take advantage of the position of power but to serve the greater needs of the people.

“This is something I feel has not been the recent agenda for prime minister's in recent years.”

The price cap was due to rise from £1,971 to £3,549 in October.

Truss’ policy – which will save people £1,000 per year based on expected energy prices – will remain in place for the next two years.

Harry and his family have been struggling for a long time and he says they already don't have a penny to spare at the end of the month.

The Cricklade man said: "We have had to use food banks every week for about a year now.

"We receiving Universal Credit, and we still can't afford to buy food for the family and it's so wrong.

"We don't have a single penny spare, not even down the back of the sofa - I once had to choose between buying loo roll or cooking oil.

"I know we aren't the only ones but it feels like nobody is talking about it - everyone is feeling the pinch, but it affects those at the bottom the most."