Fuel debt campaign launched to help households

Concerns over rising fuel debt has led Citizens Advice and Consumer Focus to launch the Plug the Debt campaign – designed to make people more aware of their rights.

There are almost a million households in the UK who owe money to their gas or electricity supplier in the UK. An increase of more than 25 per cent means the number of households in debt to their electricity supplier now stands at 850,000, whilst the number of gas customers owing money has risen by 20 per cent to more than 700,000. Many households, however, will be behind in their payments for both.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of Consumer Focus, told the Guardian: “We want people to know that help is out there. Your supplier has to help you if you have problems affording your bills, and there are discounts and grants available to help you lower your costs.

“We’d urge people to get in touch with their energy firm as soon as they think they might have problems before debts start to spiral. You can also get in touch with Citizens Advice or the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) to find out how you can cut your bills.”

According to Citizens Advice, around 100,000 people approached the charity for help with fuel bills last year, whilst in the month of October alone, in excess of 12,500 people looked for online advice about cutting their fuel bills.

Categories; Current UK Economy, Income Worries and Debt, Budgeting Advice,