More people expected to suffer fuel poverty next year as energy bills rise again | #ukscams | #datingscams | #european

More people are expected to struggle to pay energy bills next year the Scottish Government has warned.

Michael Matheson, the energy secretary, said another 110,000 households could be in fuel poverty as the energy price cap increases again.

It comes as the number of calls to an energy advice hotline in Scotland has more than quadrupled in a year.

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In December around 370 calls a day were made to the Energy Advice service, up hugely from around 80 a day during the same month last year.

Matheson said: “We estimate that the UK Government’s higher price cap from April 2023 will result in around 980,000 households being fuel poor in Scotland – 120,000 more than there are currently estimated to be at present based on the £2,500 price cap.

“The UK Government needs to carefully consider the impact that this rise will have on those that are in or at risk of fuel poverty.”

The rise in calls comes after energy prices spiked to a record high, with the average household facing a £2,500 annual bill.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “We know that many people are finding themselves in precarious situations when it comes to their household finances, and this will be compounded during the winter months as the temperature drops.”

Mr Bartlett said: “We can offer information and advice on a wide range of money-related issues, including energy bills and debt, and can help those who are experiencing multiple issues.

“We would encourage anyone who is finding it difficult to cope to contact our advisers.”