UK Charity says Many are Struggling to Pay Fuel Bills

Citizens Advice announced recent findings which claim that the percentage of people paying their fuel bills late has been steadily increasing over the past six months. The charity organisation warned that the number of individuals falling behind on their bills has rocket up 46 per cent. 

According to Citizens Advice, 46 per cent more people have reached out to the organisation with issues surrounding paying their fuel bills. The data was collected over a six month period up until the end of September, and compared to the same time last year has increased almost 50 per cent. 

Many of the individuals struggling to pay their fuel bills are of working age and only five per cent of those who contacted the charity were over 65 and retired. Further the charity warns that eight of every ten people that corresponded with the charity has incomes well above the national average. 32 per cent of the people were making less than £400 per month, and an additional 25 per cent were living off of state disability.

Citizens Advice, chief executive David Harker said that, alarmingly, the number of individuals struggling with fuel debt has increased largely, although the winter months have not yet begun. Currently, fuel prices are at historically high prices and most people will need all the available help to navigate the situation.