Energy bills rise 10% as financial support withdrawn

The price cap is illustrated by Ofgem in terms of an annual bill for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity.

That annual bill is lower than last winter, but charities say many people will struggle to cover the cost.

Some households have built up debt to their suppliers. Ofgem said nearly £3.7bn is owed collectively.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “This only highlights what we have been saying for some time – without urgent support for households facing unaffordable arrears, energy debt will only rise further.”

Some households will have less support because the final cost-of-living payment was made to eight million people on means-tested benefits in February.

For pensioners, the previously universal winter fuel payment, worth up to £300, will now be paid only to those on low incomes who receive certain benefits.