6.7 million people cutting back on showers and baths to afford rising winter energy costs
20.6 million (38 percent) concerned about affording energy bills this winter.
Posted November 15, 2024
- 5.7 million people say money worries are negatively impacting their health
- Charity urges people to contact National Debtline for a #WorryFreeWinter
6.7 million people (12 percent) are planning to cut back on the number of baths and showers they take this winter to help them afford rising energy costs, according to National Debtline. Findings from the leading debt advice charity show that 24.1 million people (45 percent) are heading into the winter period worried about their finances, with one in four (5.7 million people) reporting this is having a negative impact on their health, and one in five (22 percent) saying they are regularly losing sleep over money worries.
The findings come at a time when energy arrears now stand at a record £3.7 billion, according to the latest Ofgem figures. With the average household energy bill rising by £149 in October, following the latest price cap increase, the charity is urging anyone worried about their energy and other costs this winter to contact National Debtline.
Taking measures to afford bills
The research commissioned by National Debtline and based on an Opinium survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals that more than half (53 percent) of UK adults plan to take measures this winter to help afford their energy costs.
- 7.5 million (14 percent) people plan to reduce spending at Christmas, including buying fewer presents
- 7.4 million (14 percent) are set to cut back on essentials, such as food, toiletries and clothing
- 4.4 million (8 percent) plan to sell personal or household items to cover their rising energy bills.
Hidden financial struggles
With 4.2 million people (17 percent) saying they have not told anyone about their money worries, National Debtline is concerned that millions of people are facing financial struggles alone this winter. Among people worried about affording their energy bills, one in ten (10 percent) have spoken to their energy supplier and only eight percent had asked for debt advice. The debt advice charity’s findings reveal that women are more likely than men to be concerned about affording their energy bills this winter - 44 percent of women said they were worried, compared to 32 percent of men. However, men were twice as likely to have asked for debt advice (6 percent compared to 3 percent).
Steps to a worry free winter
National Debtline is calling on anyone worried about their finances to follow their five steps, including contacting their free advice service to help towards a worry free winter.
Last year, National Debtline advisers helped 90,000 people deal with their debts. After speaking to the charity, eight out of ten people saw their debts reduce or stabilise and 70 percent felt a positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Help to repay energy debts urgently needed
The plea for people to seek support comes as energy debt continue to break records, with almost £3.7 billion owed. National Debtline is leading the 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 heading into winter 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 - no 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.”
National Debtline provides free, independent advice. Contact us on 0808 808 4000 or via www.nationaldebtline.org
National Debtline’s 5 Worry Free Winter tips
If you’re worrying about your energy bills ahead of winter, here are 5 things you can do:
- Get ahead
The winter period can be a worrying time, especially with energy costs rising. It’s never too early or too late to seek help.
- Put together a budget
Understanding what you have coming in and going out can help you feel more in control of your situation. Use National Debtline’s My Money Steps tool to put together a budget and get advice on what to do next.
- Seek free debt advice
Debt advice charities, like National Debtline, offer free, impartial advice to help you understand your options.
- Talk to your energy supplier
Your energy supplier will have a range of options to help you, depending on your situation. National Debtline have template letters and emails you can use to get in touch with your supplier and explain your situation.
- See if you are eligible for extra support
The Warm Home Discount gives eligible households a £150 payment towards energy bills: visit Gov.UK to see if you’re eligible. Turn2Us also have advice on grants and benefits you may be able to claim.
For more advice and tips visit www.nationaldebtline.org/worry-free-winter
