6.7 million Brits to reduce showers and baths amid soaring energy costs, National Debtline survey reveals

A survey has indicated that approximately 6.7 million individuals are considering reducing their shower and bath usage to cope with escalating energy costs this winter.

The National Debtline poll revealed that 45% of respondents are entering the winter season anxious about their financial situation, with a quarter stating it's negatively impacting their health and 22% regularly losing sleep due to monetary worries.

The study discovered that 12% are contemplating cutting back on baths and showers to manage rising energy expenses. According to recent Ofgem data, energy arrears have reached a record high of £3.7 billion.

From October 1, the average household energy bill rose by £149 annually when the industry regulator increased its price cap to £1,717 for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland, and Wales. National Debtline’s research found that over half of UK adults (53%) plan to take measures this winter to help afford their energy costs.

Around 14% intend to reduce Christmas spending, including buying fewer presents, 14% are planning to cut back on essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, and 8% aim to sell personal or household items to cover their increasing energy bills. The poll suggests that 17% have not disclosed their financial concerns to anyone, and National Debtline expressed concern that millions are facing financial difficulties alone this winter.

Of those worried about affording their energy bills, only 10% had spoken to their energy supplier and 8% had sought debt advice.

Findings by a charity have highlighted that women are more likely to be concerned about affording their energy bills this winter, while men are twice as likely to seek advice for debt-related issues. The National Debtline has extended an invitation to those fretting over their finances to make use of its complimentary advice service, emphasising the beneficial impact it had last year when its advisors supported 90,000 individuals in managing their debts.

Of these, 80% either reduced or stabilised their debts, with 70% reporting improved mental and emotional wellbeing. The National Debtline is championing a "Help to Repay" initiative aimed at assisting individuals ensnared in energy debt through schemes for repayment matching and writing off debts.

Steve Vaid, CEO of the Money Advice Trust which operates National Debtline, expressed: "Too many people are heading into winter weighed down by money worries, with millions cutting back on the very basics, like taking fewer showers or baths, simply to try and keep up with their bills."

"More than five million alone are regularly losing sleep, with relationships and health impacted, too."

He argued that financial distress need not be inevitable, saying, "It does not need to be this way – no-one should face financial worries alone this winter. I would encourage anyone worried about their finances to contact National Debtline. Our advisers will be able to help whatever the situation."

An Opinium survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted from November 1 to November 5 provided these insights.

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