You might be resisting switching the heating on, no matter how cold it is, or feeling anxious every time you have to use the oven. Worst of all, on top of the stress of actually finding the money to pay bills, you might feel embarrassed or ashamed for struggling – but you shouldn’t. And you shouldn’t not seek help you might be entitled to either.
In 2023, 13% of households in England were classed as fuel poor, with 20% in Scotland, 14% in Wales, and 24% in Northern Ireland – and those numbers are set to increase this winter, largely thanks to the cost of living. Energy bills rose on October 1, and on the new price cap, bills, on average, will be up by £149 a year per household.
