StepChange Debt Charity urges action on social tariffs to address staggering rise in energy and water arrears

^{10 June 2026}

New research from the National Audit Office reveals that millions are missing out on vital support with energy and water bills. This comes as over £7 billion worth of debt is owed to energy and water companies.

StepChange Debt Charity has welcomed the findings, which reflect its own data showing a sharp rise in arrears among its clients, with average energy arrears increasing by 79% and water arrears by 33% since 2021. 

Meanwhile, polling commissioned by the charity found that almost half of British adults (45%) are worried about their ability to pay energy bills over the next six months, and 28% are worried about their ability to pay water bills. 

In response, StepChange is calling for the urgent introduction of national social tariffs for energy and water.

Emily Whitford, Senior Public Policy Advocate at StepChange, said:

“We’ve seen staggering rises in energy and water arrears over the past five years among StepChange clients, and we’re only facing a worsening crisis without meaningful intervention on affordability from Government.

“The cost of these essentials is placing unsustainable pressure on millions of financially vulnerable households. Tiered national social tariffs across both energy and water would provide targeted, effective support for those who need it most.

“It’s also vital that Ofgem works with suppliers to strengthen support for customers struggling with energy debt. This should include implementing an effective Debt Relief Scheme as soon as possible to help customers with energy debt incurred during the period of historically high prices to repay affordably.”

Notes to Editors

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,104 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 7th April 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). Population estimates are made by StepChange Debt Charity based the ONS Mid-Year Population Estimate 2024.
• StepChange research Plugging the gap, making the case for national social tariffs on energy and water can be found on our website.