Minimise your expenditure

Whilst there are many ways to reduce how much you spend each month, the simplest is probably to change your utility suppliers.

Comparison websites generally offer better deals than if you go to the suppliers direct. This is because on a comparison website they are directly competing for your business with numerous other companies, whereas they will assume that you haven't received many, if any, other quotes if you go to them direct.

Uswitch is one such organisation that will help you to reduce your monthly expenditure by comparing utility prices in your area, although there are plenty of others out there so make sure you do your homework first.

Below you'll find some factsheets on what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.

• Help with energy costs
• Energy Switching Factsheet
• Energy Debt and Prepay Meters