People worried about energy debt this winter urged to contact charity for help

A new survey indicates that 6.7 million people are cutting back on showers and baths this winter to help keep energy costs down. The poll for National Debtline found that 45 per cent of people are worried about how the colder months are impacting their finances, especially in the early weeks of the new year.

The Ofgem price cap increased on January 1, and while it was only a slight rise of £19 over a 12-month period, the recent prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures has put households under pressure to heat their homes without going over budget. National Debtline is urging anyone worried about their finances to contact its free advice service on 0808 808 4000. You can visit the website here.

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National Debtline’s research found that more than half of UK adults (53%) planned to take measures this winter to help afford their energy bills. This included some 12 per cent who are planning to cut back on baths and showers to keep costs down.

Some 14 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed in November planned to reduce spending over the festive fortnight and sell unwanted personal and household items to cover the costs of higher gas and electricity bills.

The poll suggested 17 per cent have not told anyone about their money worries, and National Debtline said it is concerned that millions of people are facing financial struggles alone this winter.

Of those worried about affording their energy bills, just 10 per cent had spoken to their energy supplier and 8 per cent had asked for debt advice.

The charity found that women are more likely than men to be concerned about affording their energy bills this winter, but men are twice as likely to have asked for debt advice.

National Debtline said its advisers helped 90,000 people deal with their debts last year, with 80 per cent of these seeing their debts reduce or stabilise and 70 per cent experiencing a positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

National Debtline is leading a campaign for a Help to Repay scheme to support people trapped in energy debt through repayment matching and debt write-off.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Too many people are weighed down by money worries, with millions cutting back on the very basics, like taking fewer showers or baths, simply to try and keep up with their bills.

“More than five million alone are regularly losing sleep, with relationships and health impacted, too.

“It does not need to be this way - o-one should face financial worries alone this winter. I would encourage anyone worried about their finances to contact National Debtline. Our advisers will be able to help whatever the situation.”

You can contact the National Debtline free advice service on 0808 808 4000.