More than 72 per cent of homes in Scotland will be plunged into fuel poverty by January next year, a study has found.
According to the research on fuel poverty by the University of York, the region hardest hit will be Northern Ireland with 76.3 per cent of families battling to make ends meet, followed by Scotland at 72.8 per cent, then the West Midlands (70.9 per cent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (70.6 per cent).
This come as energy prices are set to soar in October as the price cap will change again. Ofgem said at the start of August it could rise by 40 per cent to around £2,800 in October, while energy consultants Auxilione said average households could be facing annual bills of £4,650 from January and £5,456 from April.
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Charities are urging the UK Government to intervene further, arguing that the cost of living payments will not be enough as inflation has also risen to 10 per cent.
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With inflation at a 40-year-high these are worrying times for Scots.
“Soaring prices for food and fuel have heaped pressure on households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“As gas energy prices continue to rise, it will be a difficult winter for many.
“But our experts at energyadvice.scot can help anyone in Scotland with free, impartial and practical advice.
“Free debt advice and financial support is also available at moneyadvice.scot, and people can check their entitlement to benefits using our calculator at www.advice.scot.
“We urge people across Scotland not to struggle alone.”
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