THE cost of removing pre-payment meters from the homes of vulnerable customers in Glasgow is to be waived under a deal between the city council, an energy firm and social landlords.

Following talks with the authority, SSE said it would identify customers who should have their meter replaced free of charge.

The council described the move as the first of a range of measures designed to help tackle fuel poverty. However, energy firms knocked back a plea for a freeze on tariffs.

Council leader Gordon Matheson Matheson said: "Having to find extra money to replace a meter is a very significant barrier to some of our most vulnerable citizens getting the best deals." SSE's managing director enterprise, Jim McPhillimy, said: "While we believe pre-payment meters still have an important role to play, we recognise that in some cases it is not suitable."