Twice as many people are asking for advice on their energy bills than this time last year in Bolton.

Data from Citizens Advice Bury and Bolton (CABB) shows a 100 per cent increase on the number of people contacting who are having issues with paying their energy bills.

This is the second year in a row that that figure has doubled year-on-year.

CEO of CABB Richard Wilkinson says that this unprecedented pressure on their services means that they are finding it difficult to manage.

He said: “Our staff and volunteers are overrun with trying to keep up with demand and we would ask residents to bear with us if they are struggling to access us.

“The concern as winter rolls on is that some people get left unable to access the specialist interventions that they need.

"In addition to the devastating impact on people’s lives and families, there are substantial additional costs to the taxpayer as the result of people not being able to get advice, such as increased pressure on homelessness services, social services and health interventions such as GP appointments or even hospital admission."

The Bolton News: CABB data for service usersCABB data for service users (Image: CABB)

Mr Wilkinson says that the most notable subsection people increasingly contacting them for advice are those who have pre-payment metres installed.

He added: “Pre-payment meters are like a 'pay-as-you-go' method of getting gas and electric. If you cannot afford to top it up, you have no access to power.”

CABB is also concerned with the rapidly increasing numbers of people contacting them in need of emergency crisis support, which includes those requiring assessment and referral to foodbanks.

So far this year, 300 people have approached CABB for crisis support, which compares with 189 at the same point last year, and 114 the in 2020.

Mr Wilkinson added: "Not only are we seeing consistent year-on-year increases for the last three or four years, but we are also seeing concentrations of people needing this help in specific areas of Bolton, most frequently people living in Farnworth and Great Lever.”

People impacted by money and other cost of living issues can contacts CABB by at www.cabb.org.uk

“There are several way people can contact us, but we are obviously very busy," Mr Wilkinson said.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18