Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has written to the UK’s main watchdogs, asking them to come up with ideas for reform that could boost economic growth.

He contacted the companies – including energy regulator Ofgem and water regulator Ofwat – on Christmas Eve. They were told to submit their proposals by the middle of January, as first reported by Sky News.

Figures published earlier this week indicated the UK economy had flatlined between July and September.

Earlier this month, Sir Keir warned MPs that it “will take some time” for people to feel their living standards improve.