Households increased by 33% since May, in England and Waleswho find it difficult to pay them water billsas the increase of cost of living affects household budgets.
According to a report by the water regulator, Ofwatin a survey of 2,328 consumers between October 4-13, found that the percentage of those struggling to pay bills reached 20%, up from 15% in May.
However, energy bills remain the main problem for consumers. 37% of respondents said they were having trouble paying their gas bill (up from 29% in May) and 35% their electricity bill (up from 27% previously).
Of those struggling to pay their bills, one in three (33%) said they had asked friends and family to borrow money. 17% used credit cards to pay them and 13% took out a short-term loan.
Inflation in Britain hit 11.1% in October, the highest level in 41 yearsmainly due to the increase in energy prices.
Two-thirds of those who took part in the Ofwat survey said they thought their financial situation would worsen over the next year.
Source: News Beast
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