Single mum shares struggle on ‘expensive’ bills – all the support available | Personal Finance | Finance

Most vulnerable households will face bill hikes of up to £700 a year more. The average utility bill is £1,277 a year but this is set to rise to £2,000.

The Bank of England has predicted that inflation could hit six percent in the next few months, chipping away at the price of living.

As well as inflation, April will see families paying hundreds more to increasing tax and rising costs of utility bills.

On BBC Breakfast, single mother Jane McBride, explained her situation and how hard it has been with these rising costs.

She said: “I don’t boil the kettle much or open the fridge much. There are ways to keep the home warm without using too much heating.

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“But hot water is a killer. You know, we wash and that is expensive.”

There may be help available for those struggling to keep up with the rising costs, although campaigners are calling for the Government to do more.

What help is available?

The Cold Weather Payment is a scheme which offers £25 payment every seven days when the temperature is below, or is predicted to be below, zero degrees.

The scheme runs between November and March and payments are made frequently throughout this time.

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Every year, those over 65 will receive between £100 and £300 during the cold winter months.

People born on or before September 26, 1955 should check whether they are due to receive an extra payment.

Energy companies also provide schemes to help low-income households to make their homes more energy efficient.

For example, installing insulation, or replacing an old boiler.