Gas bill worries 'for many people'

16/01/12

By Shane Gladstone

Research has suggested that many Britons are fretting over covering the cost of their winter gas and electricity bills.

The Citizens Advice-commissioned study found that 40 per cent of the people who were spoken to had concerns about paying their next bill when it lands on their doormat.

The charity, which is launching its Big Energy Week, also revealed that it gave advice to nearly 100,000 people in 2011 when it came to struggling to pay energy bills.

A third of those asked did not know they could apply for help to make their homes warmer with insulation either. Bearing these figures in mind, the charity hopes the awareness week can teach people about ways to save on their gas and electricity.

Chief executive Gillian Guy said: "We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people's budgets at a time when money is already tight.

"Day in day out our bureaux help people who can't afford their fuel bills.

"We're worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they're not on the best deal, live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them."