£7bn Bill Debt Soars in UK
- £7bn bill debt owed in UK
- Many unaware of repayment plans
- Social tariffs available for eligible customers
- National Audit Office reports lack of awareness
- Free advice available from National Debtline
Bill debt in the UK has soared, with £7bn owed to water, broadband, and energy companies by March last year, officials said.
Many customers are unaware that support is available, including repayment plans and social tariffs.
Meanwhile, estimates suggest that the total bill debt has grown since last year.
Lack of Awareness
Only a third of eligible broadband customers and 39% of water customers are aware of the available support, sources confirmed.
A pensioner, who wished to remain anonymous, said her energy supplier had been helpful after she let them know she was struggling.
'I was struggling to pay my energy bills, but my supplier was helpful after I contacted them,' she said.
Free Advice Available
Free advice is available from organizations like National Debtline, which provides independent and confidential advice about debt, witnesses said.
National Debtline can be contacted by phone or web chat services in England and Wales, officials said.
'We provide free and impartial debt advice to those who need it,' said a National Debtline spokesperson.
Regulation Needed
The National Audit Office has highlighted the need for better awareness and regulation of the bill debt crisis, government sources said.
The office has called for more to be done to help customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
In contrast, some energy suppliers have been criticized for not doing enough to help their customers.
Human Impact
The bill debt crisis is having a significant impact on households across the UK, sources confirmed.
Many people are struggling to pay their bills, and some are even having to choose between paying their bills or buying food, witnesses said.
Meanwhile, debt charities are calling for more to be done to help those who are struggling.
'We need to do more to help people who are struggling with debt,' said a debt charity spokesperson.