UK Bill Debt Tops £7 Billion as Most Struggling Households Miss Available Support
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 9
UK Bill Debt Tops £7 Billion as Most Struggling Households Miss Available Support
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 9
Summary
More than £7 billion in water, broadband and energy bills was owed by March 2025, the National Audit Office said, warning the total has likely risen further.
Low awareness is a key driver: only a third of eligible broadband customers and 39% of struggling water customers knew social tariffs existed, while many also missed repayment plans and the Priority Services Register.
Energy debt has been hit hardest, jumping 118% since 2021 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine; customers on repayment plans owed about £1,000 less on average than debtors without them.
The NAO said Ofgem, Ofcom and Ofwat have made some progress but are not keeping pace with pressure on households, drawing calls from MPs for faster action on support, billing errors and customer access.