Winter’s worst may blow away all our savings

BRITONS could find themselves in the eye of a financial storm as wild weather and soaring energy bills threaten a harsh winter.

With Hurricane Ophelia having just swept the UK and Storm Brian set to strike on Friday, households are being urged to batten down the hatches to limit damage to their properties.

The clocks change at the end of this month too, which means gas and electricity bills are set to start ticking upwards, further hiking the financial pressure, as consumer price inflation hits a five-year high of 3 per cent.

New research shows that more than 13million households face higher bills as energy supplier price rises announced in spring start to bite. THROUGH THE ROOF Households now face shocking double-digit increases in their gas and electricity bills, new research from GoCompare Energy reveals.

It describes these as the “forgotten price hikes”, because some of them date back as early as February this year.

So far they have had little impact but that will change when Britons turn on their heating as the days grow colder.

Big Six energy suppliers British Gas, EOn, EDF, Npower, SSE and ScottishPower have all hiked their standard variable rate (SVR) tariffs since last year.

Electricity prices have risen by up to 15 per cent and dual fuel deals by between 6.9 per cent and 9.8 per cent. Three out of five households sit on SVRs, even though they can cost hundreds more than the best-buy tariffs.

GoCompare Energy spokesman Ben Wilson said energy firms announced their price increases when the weather was warming up and the big winter bills had been dealt with, so millions have done nothing about them: “By now, many of us have probably forgotten just how big some of these price increases were.”

People who switched to a fixed energy deal must look to move on when it expires or they will automatically be rolled onto the supplier’s dearest SVR, Wilson added.

Insurance companies are urging households to protect property from harsh weather, with Co-op Insurance recommending that people secure outdoor furniture, pot plants and children’s toys.

Head of claims Jonathan Guy said check windows and doors are locked, unplug electrical items in case of power surges and find out how to switch off your gas, electricity and water at the mains: “Back up computers and switch them off to avoid losing sentimental items.”

Guy also suggested preparing a storm kit including essential items such as blankets, a torch, water and nonperishable food as well as gathering insurance and utility company numbers.

Simon Stanney, director of general insurance at SunLife, advised parking your car safely in a garage or keeping it away from tall trees. If you live in a floodprone area, then consider moving it to higher ground.

“If you have to drive in adverse conditions, check your screen wash, tyre pressure and treads and make sure you have an emergency kit including blankets, food and water,” he said. contact STORM WARNING Stanney also suggested getting motor breakdown cover and keying your emergency breakdown number into your phone. “If the storm hits, contact your insurance company which can help you arrange home or motor repairs,” he said.

Age UK Insurance managing director Doug Strachan suggests doing routine household maintenance jobs ahead of the worst winter weather, such as checking pipes, windows, roofs and gutters: “Preparation is essential when it comes to protecting your home and cutting the chance of having to fork out for urgent callouts when it gets even colder.”

He said it is also worth double checking your insurance policy terms and conditions to make sure you are covered for storm damage and burst pipes. “If you have not already had your boiler serviced then now is a good time before the winter chill really sets