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Tue, 09 Jun 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 Bill debt soars but many don't know help is available

The majority of billpayers are unaware of special tariffs for water and broadband, the spending watchdog says.

* Billions of pounds in bills and charges were owed by customers to water, broadband, and energy companies as of March last year.
* Estimates suggest that total has grown since.
* Most people do not know about repayment plans and cheaper social tariffs available to those in debt.
* Only a third of eligible broadband customers and 39% of water customers who struggled with bills were aware of social tariffs.
* Energy customers on repayment plans owed £1,000 less on average than those in debt without a plan.
* Household energy debt has jumped by 118% since 2021 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
* Regulators have made progress to support consumers but need to do more to identify vulnerable customers and promote available support.
* Awareness of the Priority Services Register remains low, which helps utility companies support customers with extra communication or safety needs.
* Basic billing errors are pushing households further into debt.