Wednesday 23rd of February 2011
The poorest families in Britain who are deep in debt may be considering asking individual voluntary arrangement questions to help their situation as it has been suggested the government has missed an opportunity to reduce their outgoings.
Consumer Focus has noted the coalition's Warm Home Discount initiative had the chance to benefit 1.5 million consumers who were at most risk of living in cold properties - but did not go far enough.
The organisation observed the scheme only offers discounts to low-income pensioners and fails to take into consideration the needs of other vulnerable customers.
Jonathan Stearn, energy expert at the body, said: "Across the country families and disabled people living on low fixed incomes are struggling to afford to heat their homes, which could be leaving the health of many at risk."
The findings come after Confused.com recently claimed people in Britain are wasting a collective £1.7 billion by failing to switch their energy provider.
By Chris King
- Debt consolidation loans falling, figures show
- Britons 'changing attitudes' towards debt management
- Homeowners 'more concerned with debt management'
- Low interest rate 'contributing to debt management efforts'
- Debt management growing in importance, survey finds
- Debt management problems 'leading to credit rejections'
