Homeowners throughout the country are struggling to meet the rising cost of their utilities bills, leaving many at risk of being in fuel poverty.

This is according to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), which explained that a third of the people getting in touch are already facing problems.

Within the first six months of the year, 19,437 of the people seeking its help with their debts were in fuel poverty, as the average gas and electricity bill rose to £136 per month.

CCCS director of external affairs Delroy Corinaldi said: "The finances of people in fuel poverty are already significantly overstretched - and we are extremely concerned that the current round of energy price rises could plunge them even further into debt."

Figures from the group show that clients are an average of £302 short of the amount needed to cover their basic living expenses every month, leaving them in a position where they cannot repay debts.