Total energy arrears across the UK have reached £4.79 billion, according to figures published by Ofgem, prompting a sharp response from debt charity Debt Justice.
Figures Released Ahead of Price Cap Rise
The data, sourced from Ofgem's debt and arrears indicators, was published in late June 2026. The release comes as the energy price cap is set to rise imminently, according to Debt Justice's statement dated 25 June 2026.
Toby Murray, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Debt Justice, said the figures underscored what he described as an ongoing crisis. "No amount of wishful thinking will make the energy debt crisis disappear," he said. "People are drowning in debt, unable to cool their homes in summer or heat them in winter."
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Charity Criticises Existing Debt Relief Scheme
Debt Justice, a UK charity formerly known as the Jubilee Debt Campaign, said the current Debt Relief Scheme is "overdue, inadequate, and leaves households footing the bill while energy companies rake in record profits", according to Murray's statement.
The charity is calling on the government to introduce a windfall-tax-funded debt relief scheme to address the scale of arrears. Murray said: "With the price cap rising next week, the government needs to act. We need a windfall-tax-funded debt relief scheme. Now."
Context
Debt Justice describes itself as a UK charity working to end poverty caused by unjust debt through education, research and campaigning. The £4.79 billion total arrears figure is drawn directly from Ofgem's published data.
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