7 million people behind on household bills as costs set to rise further this April
New research to mark Debt Awareness Week
Posted March 24, 2025
- New data reveals millions taking severe measures to cope with high costs
- 24.5 million people worried about the state of their finances
- In Debt Awareness Week, National Debtline urges more people to seek help
Following a difficult winter, an estimated 7.0 million UK adults (13%) are now behind on at least one household bill, according to new research from leading free debt advice service National Debtline, run by the Money Advice Trust. The findings also show that around 1.4 million adults (2.6%) are behind on their energy, council tax and water bills ahead of all three rising next month.
A worrying number of people resorted to severe measures in order to help pay their household bills over the winter months. 7.1 million people (13%) reduced how often they washed their bedding and clothes, while 7.5 million (14%) cut back on the number of showers taken. This is over one million more than had planned to take these steps when asked in November*, indicating just how widespread the impact of the cost-of-living crisis remains.
Furthermore, 18.9 million people (35%) say they reduced their energy usage (such as heating) and 3.6 million (7%) borrowed money from family and friends to help cover costs.
These findings come at a time when energy arrears alone now stand at a record £3.8 billion, according to the latest Ofgem figures.
During Debt Awareness Week, National Debtline is urging people not to wait to seek help.
“We know that a lot of people wait over a year before contacting us because for many, debt can provoke feelings of isolation or embarrassment – but no one should have to face these problems alone”, says Money Advice Trust Chief Executive Steve Vaid.
“With 7 million people are already behind on their bills, we’re concerned that the further bill rises coming in April could tip many more households into problem debt – and make already difficult situations worse.
“Money worries can feel overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to turn. Our advisers at National Debtline offer free, impartial advice to help you understand your options, so I urge anyone feeling concerned to get in touch.”
Recent research with people helped by National Debtline highlights that after speaking to an adviser, four in five callers saw their debts reduce or stabilise and three in four reported a positive impact on their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Dennis Hussey, National Debtline, says, “Money struggles can affect anyone and our team of expert advisers are here to help. We support hundreds of thousands of people a year and it’s never too early or late to seek a. If you’re worried about how increasing household bill prices might affect your finances this year and beyond, my advice is to get in touch with National Debtline as soon as possible. We can help you put together a budget to see what, if anything, you can afford to pay towards your debts, as well as understand further support you might be eligible for.”
Notes:
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc, commissioned by the Money Advice Trust. Total sample size was 2246 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 4th March 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+) in the UK. A breakdown of data sets by region, gender, age, ethnic group, marital & parental status, house tenure, employment status or government benefits claimed is available on request.
- * This statistic is taken from a UK wide survey of 2,000 adults. The polling was commissioned by the Money Advice Trust and conducted by Opinium in November 2024.
- The latest Ofgem energy arrears figures are available via: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/debt-and-arrears-indicators
- Money Advice Trust calculated population estimates based on ONS mid-year population estimates June 2022
