Families choosing between heating or eating as 1 in 9 struggle to pay bills – here’s how to get help

HARD-up Matt Davies has to choose between heating and eating after falling into energy debt, thanks to the impact of Covid-19 and Christmas costs.

Electrician Matt, 35, from Newport, said: “I work full-time but can’t afford to heat my home and pay for other bills, food, rent and debts.”

An increasing number of families have been thrown into fuel poverty by the Covid crisis

He is not alone. One in nine families are struggling to pay their bills — with six million British adults now in energy and household bills debt.

According to Citizens Advice, this comes as coronavirus sees people battle job losses and income cuts.

And one in four households, 15 million people, are worried about being able to afford energy bills later in winter.

Water, electricity and gas bills have rocketed 37 per cent, as millions use more water and power while working from home, say End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaigners.

The average debt of people who owe for energy is £760 for electricity and £605 for gas, Citizens Advice said.

Furloughed Sarah Hall said: “I’ve had to cut back on food, water and energy use. Covid has impacted my income and expenditure greatly.

“But because my furlough pay was just above the benefits limit, I didn’t qualify for any help.”

Mum Jane Rogers said: “My children and I have been indoors for months and used more electricity, gas and water and also more money on buying things to keep the kids entertained.

“The past year has cost far more than a normal year.”

Campaigners say this third lockdown will see home bills boom again.

Simon Francis. of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “A double whammy of stay-at-home instructions and colder weather will lead to more people in fuel poverty.

“With the worst weather still to come, we need urgent action from energy firms and the Government to support those in fuel poverty.”

But many Brits in energy bill debt do not know they can get help with payments and slash bills.

Citizens Advice says energy suppliers are forced to agree a price customers can afford when repaying debt, from as little as £10 a week.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to managing payments for utilities and tech.

• *Names changed for this article