Struggling British Gas, OVO, EDF and other customers told 'contact bank' immediately

Seven million energy customers from British Gas, OVO, Octopus, EDF and others have been urged to contact their bank immediately if they're facing difficulties with their bills. Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, it's been highlighted that around 7.4 million UK adults are still struggling to pay their bills, despite a decrease from last year's figures.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has noted a persistent burden on many households, with Sheldon Mills, the executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, acknowledging that "many people are still struggling with their bills". However, he also recognised the positive impact of available support, stating it was "encouraging to see some benefitting from the help that's available".

In Cambridgeshire, Caroline Dove and Becky Ward have witnessed the surge in need first-hand, as they've been distributing hundreds of hot meals to those affected by the crisis. Their efforts have seen a dramatic increase in demand, jumping from 40 to 90 meals.

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Ms Ward shared a poignant story: "One of my elderly ladies was actually buying dog food because it was cheaper than human food," revealing the stark choices some are forced to make. She compared her experience to wartime rationing, saying, "She said she's gone through the war and the rations and all that sort of stuff and so dog food didn't taste any different to her."

The FCA is advising anyone concerned about keeping up with payments to get in touch with their lender "straight away", reports Birmingham Live. Conor D'Arcy, interim chief executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, commented that while it was "encouraging" to see a decrease in people struggling with bills, with millions still behind on payments, "the impact of the cost of living crisis on our finances and mental health is likely to last a long time".

He urged lenders to do more to help, "reaching out to customers with support before people seek it". In a similar vein, Richard Lane, chief client officer at StepChange, underscored that individuals on lower incomes were "particularly struggling to repay significant household debt and relying on credit to keep up".

Lane further pointed out: "Research has shown that people in financial difficulty are often struggling with anxiety, embarrassment and stigma, and tend to try and juggle their finances and cope for too long before seeking help, when they could benefit from lender support and free debt advice sooner."

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