Energy bills hit the poor hard

44 per cent of those living off less than 15,000 a year are unable to afford to heat their own homes according to the charity Save the Children UK. One reason why the poor were hit hardest was because they often used pre-pay meters to heat their homes, which cost more than direct debit.

Phillipa Hunt of the charity commented:-

“Fuel poverty is an outrage, particularly for children. It means they are experiencing the effects of cold on a daily basis.”

Prices have been sharply increased by a number of suppliers including, British Gas, EDF, Npower and ScottishPower. Eon is likely to follow in the coming weeks.