A CHARITY which offers support with financial concerns has reported a huge increase in people seeking help amid rising energy bills.
Citizens Advice across Oxfordshire has seen a 36 per cent increase in people looking for support for problems connected to ‘fuel debt’.
The charity says more people are seeking one-to-one support than at any point during the pandemic.
Earlier this month, energy regulator Ofgem announced the energy price cap will increase from April 1, for approximately 22 million customers.
This has been driven by a record rise in global gas prices over the last six months.
See also: Oxford High School teachers go on strike over pension dispute
In light of the upcoming changes, Citizens Advice has warned that crisis support – including referrals to food banks – is at the highest level on record.
Similarly, advice on managing energy debts has reached unprecedented heights.
Teresa Archer, chief officer at Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire, said: “We know this is an extremely worrying time for many.
“With the 54 per cent rise to the energy price cap, the loss of the £20 per week Universal Credit uplift and increasing food costs, we encourage those people who are in debt or are struggling to budget to get in touch so we can help them through these challenging times.
“The £200 energy loan announced by Government last week will be given to all households in October 2022.
“Whilst this will help some people in the short-term, it will still have to be paid back in the longer term, keeping bills higher for longer.”
Citizens Advice is calling for targeted support to low-income households and an expanded Warm Home Discount Scheme for this winter.
Last week, Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds told the Oxford Mail that many of her constituents had been in touch with worries about energy bills.
She said: “A lot of people here in Oxford have been contacting me with their concerns – people have a lot of high costs in the city already, with rent being so high, but now with the energy cost being very high as well, it’s a really troubling time for them.
“Yes, people will get some money off their bills, but that’s just going to moulded into bills in the future.”
Last year, Citizens Advice in Oxfordshire helped 27,000 people across the county with 78,000 issues. Nationally, the charity helped 2.7 million people.
Contact Citizens Advice Oxfordshire on caox.org.uk, or via the national phone service on 0800 144 8848.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok
Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel