Government must take action to stop 'horrible cycle of debt' in North West this winter
A leading fuel poverty charity says 'crucial action' must be taken to tackle the 'fuel debt crisis'
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action is warning the government must take action to tackle the 'fuel debt crisis'.
According to their figures over 450,000 homes across the North West are currently living in fuel poverty.
Matt Copeland from the Charity National Energy Action says they are expecting this winter to be the worst yet: "Last winter was the worst we had ever seen as a charity in our 40-odd years of existence.
"We think this inter, particularly for low income households will be worse."
He's urging the government do more to support those struggling with fuel poverty: "There's £2.6billion worth of debt.
"Where that lies with very vulnerable people the government should be help them to pay it down a bit more quickly.
"The response from Ofgem on this has actually been to put prices up to help suppliers help cope with this level of debt.
"But that's just makes it worse and only the government can intervene to help this problem."
Recent figures show an estimated 6.4 million UK adults are now in arrears with their energy bills, up more than 824,000 since April.
Matt says people will now be straddled with two years of debt if nothing is done this winter: "Households were going into debt last winter, they couldn't pay their bills.
"Those arrears are going to be turning into debt repayment plans around about now.
"Not only are our client group are going to be paying for their energy this winter, they'll actually start having to pay for last winter as well."
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said:
“We would encourage anyone worried about their energy bill to speak to their supplier. We are supporting the most vulnerable this winter, by helping up to 3 million families with £150 off energy bills through the Warm Home Discount.
“This comes on top of £900 cost of living support for those in need - as well as nearly £40 billion provided last winter to cover around half a typical household’s energy bill.
“We continue to keep all options under review, while ensuring competition can return to the market to offer best value for all.”