The Spanish chairman of Scottish Power had his pay package doubled to £10.5 million just months before the company raised gas bills to record levels for 2.4 million British households.

MPs and consumer groups expressed outrage last night after company accounts revealed Ignacio Galan’s pay package, which included a £6 million bonus for hitting targets.

Details of his pay emerged after Scottish Power raised average dual-fuel bills by £175 a year to a record £1,400. It added 19 per cent to gas bills and 10 per cent to electricity bills, while some online customers face increases of 60 per cent.

MPs said Mr Galan’s pay rise was “unjustifiable”. Huw Irranca-Davies, the shadow energy minister, said Mr Galan’s pay packet would add to the pain felt by British householders. Mr Galan received £6 million in shares for restructuring the company in three years. His pay will be even higher if there is a rise in profits at Iberdrola, Scottish Power’s parent company.

The energy select committee is considering recalling Scottish Power executives to explain the price rises, even though an inquiry into gas and electricity bills has just been.........Read more HERE on this story