Thousands unable to pay energy bills

Around 140,000 British households have been left without gas or electricity in the last year because they cannot afford to top up their prepayment energy meter, a charity has found.

Citizens Advice said the vast majority of these households – around 120,000–included people who could be vulnerable, such as children or those with a long-term health condition.

Of all the households that lost their supply because the money on their meter ran out, 50 per cent included someone with a mental health condition.