Scottish Power has become the latest energy supplier to cut gas bills, lowering them by 8%.

The gas provider, which is owned by the Spanish group Iberdrola and operates across the UK, is the last of the 'big six' providers to announce the move.

EDF and NPower made similar announcements earlier this week.

'We understand that household budgets are tighter as a result of the economic recession and recognise our customers are concerned about the effect of the recent cold weather on their heating bills,' said Raymond Jack, director of Energy Retail at Scottish Power.

'With this in mind we are pleased to be able to pass on lower prices and offer additional support to those most in need.'

Scottish Power also had a welcome news for customers who use electricity to heat their homes. It will give a £50 winter rebate to vulnerable customers to help with the cost of winter fuel bills.

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