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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

Heating plans `could help struggling pensioners`

19/11/2008

A proposed crackdown on energy bills could help pensioners struggling with their personal finances, it has been suggested.

Earlier this week, the Conservative party announced that, if it got into power, it would make it illegal for power companies to charge unfair prices to customers with pre-payment meters.

According to the party, this would save nearly six million households up to £250 per year, potentially lessening the risk of them falling into debt and other financial difficulties.

Responding to the suggestions, Age Concern said: "Strong and decisive action is needed to tackle the fuel poverty crisis, in order to help the poorest pensioners and families who are struggling to afford to heat their homes."

However, it added that the "devil is in the detail" and that measures such as data-sharing through a trusted third party would be required to make discounted social tariffs a reality.

In other news, research conducted recently by the Alliance Trust Research Centre showed that household finances in the UK have deteriorated to a record low, with consumers increasingly struggling to make ends meet.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according