Families facing ‘crisis’ with £15,000 in debts - 6 steps to cutting household bills

Families facing ‘crisis’ with £15,000 in debts - 6 steps to cutting household billsDebt experts warn some households won’t be able to withstand energy bill changes unless they actCommentsMoneySamantha Leathers Senior Money & Lifestyle writer12:46, 04 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesHouseholds are facing rising cost of living challenges(Image: GETTY)While the energy price cap has dropped by nearly seven per cent this month, saving the average household around £117 annually on their energy bill, experts are warning that thousands won’t be able to stay afloat if the cost starts rising. Debt charity Money Wellness warned that nearly half of the people it helps are already in arrears, with some owing up to £15,000 in total debt.‌Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: “Many households are already living on a knife-edge. If energy prices rise further after July, tens of thousands of households could be forced to make stark choices between heating their homes, buying food, or keeping up with other essential bills.‌“Without targeted support, these pressures risk pushing vulnerable families into crisis, with long-lasting consequences for their financial and personal wellbeing. Anyone worried about coping with bills or debt should seek help as soon as possible, as support is available to guide households through these challenges.”‌The debt expert highlighted six key ways households can try lower their energy bill and avoid the ‘knife edge’, urging families to act as soon as possible and not just when the situation becomes dire.View 3 ImagesThe debt charity warned thousands of households are already in arrears(Image: GETTY)Contact your supplierEnergy suppliers legally have to work with customers who are struggling financially to try to avoid arrears from piling up. The expert urged people to contact their energy supplier for this support early, adding: “Don’t wait until you’re behind.”‌Customers may be able to get repayment plans put in place that...