Trouble keeping warm

Last autumn's sharp gas and electricity price rises pushed an extra 400,000 English households into fuel poverty, according to the Energy Department, DECC.


It says that "price rises in the latter part of 2011 lead to an increase of around 0.4m households", taking the total to 3.9m.


Since then we've seen a modest cut in prices earlier this year, but British Gas has indicated that prices will rise significantly again before the coming winter.


So the fuel poverty total is likely to rise once more.


Fuel poverty is defined as households which spend more than 10 per cent of their income keeping warm.

Help if the energy bill is a problem

Scottish & Southern is bringing in its prices rises from today. Eon's price hikes came in yesterday and npower's arrive on 1st October. Scottish Power and British Gas tariffs have already gone up.

The CCCS (Consumer Credit Counselling Service) says that a third of people with debt problems are also in fuel poverty - they're struggling to pay their bills.

If you're having trouble paying for gas and electricity, here are some places to go to for help:

Home Heat Helpline 0800 336699

CCCS Debt Remedy

My Money Steps

British Gas, Scottish Gas Trust

Other British Gas help
And check with your supplier for help, if it's another one.

Winter Fuel Payment

Cold Weather Payment