Energy charity say people in Gloucestershire are in thousands of pounds of debt

Reliance on their services is massively increasing as people are struggling to keep up with fuel payments.

The advise charity said so far this January they have helped more people than they did for the whole of January last year, only halfway into the month.

Marion Starker, energy expert for the charity, said: "This has been going on for two years now, so there's an accumulative problem."

The charity said they have seen a lot of people cancelling direct debits to avoid payments to energy companies. They warn this is leading to increasing debts.

Marion Starker, said: "I am seeing people who's debt is in the hundreds of pounds or even thousands of pounds."

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire are urging people to get in contact if they need support.

People can access free and confidential advice for a wide range of areas including benefits, debt, Universal Credit, emergency support, foodbank voucher referrals, housing, employment and relationship breakdown.

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