A Lanarkshire MP says households in energy debt are increasingly at the mercy of loan sharks as they borrow cash as a last resort simply to pay bills.
Ms Fellows said in the Commons: “In the last 12 months, one in five households, or one in four young households, in energy debt have turned to illegal money lenders to help pay for bills and everyday essentials. Responding for the government under secretary of state Amanda Solloway said: ”The hon. Member makes an incredibly important point, and I have had many conversations with her on this matter.
A social energy tariff - which is now supported by several energy providers - would provide a safety net against high energy prices for disabled households or those on low incomes. It says the proportion of younger households in energy debt turning to loan sharks is almost a quarter - 24 per cent.