{"id":44250,"date":"2023-12-11T00:19:06","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T00:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/histarmar.net\/?p=44250"},"modified":"2023-12-11T00:19:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T00:19:06","slug":"360000-households-concerned-about-energy-bills-debt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/histarmar.net\/world-news\/360000-households-concerned-about-energy-bills-debt\/","title":{"rendered":"360,000 households concerned about energy bills debt"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Thousands of households are increasingly concerned about energy bill debt amid the \u201cworst cost of living crisis in living memory\u201d, according to new research.<\/p>\n

Analysis of polling from YouGov by Citizens Advice Scotland found that 22 percent are worried about gas and electricity costs, particularly when it comes to falling into debt.<\/p>\n

This is the equivalent of an estimated 368,249 people which is a sizable proportion of the population in Scotland.<\/p>\n

These latest figures come amid skyrocketing levels of energy debt being reported across the Citizens Advice network.<\/p>\n

According to the charity, the average energy debt for claimants seeking complex debt advice across the network is \u00a32,307.<\/p>\n

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For context, this is almost \u00a3500 higher compared to the same time last year which suggests the cost of living crisis is not improving for many.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the calls for support on energy debt to the charity jumped by 34 percent between 2021\/22 to 2022\/23.<\/p>\n

The Citizens Advice Scotland Social Justice spokesperson Matthew Lee highlighted why more support needs to be made available for the months ahead.<\/p>\n

He explained: \u201cThis winter comes amid the worst cost of living crisis in living memory and lots of people, through no fault of their own, have found themselves behind on bills.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because costs for essentials rose sharply as incomes flatlined. We estimate over 360,000 people in Scotland are worried about their debt to energy suppliers this winter.<\/p>\n

The energy expert highlighted that there are three main reasons people are particularly worried about debt.<\/p>\n

However, he also acknowledged that support is available through the Citizens Advice network which people should take advantage of.<\/p>\n