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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` School focuses on "curing Ireland`s debt disease" Debt: lending to fall this year Debt consolidation - time to check Offset mortgages could give more protection against debt than ISAs Growth of debt slows down in March Fifth of Brits admit their debt worries them Mortgage approvals rise; unsecured debt falls

UK energy customers `overcharged £1.6bn`

10/07/2009

According to new research by consumer watchdog Consumer Focus, energy customers are being overcharged by a combined £1.66bn this year, which works out at around £74 per household. Consumer Focus claims this is because suppliers are not fully passing on declining wholesale costs to their customers.

The watchdog claims that if suppliers had fully passed on declining wholesale costs to customers, then gas prices would be at least £60 a year cheaper, and electricity bills at least £13 lower.

Phillip Cullum, Deputy Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said: "Our new research for the first time shows the reality. The companies are pocketing £1.6 billion extra, while millions of households struggle to make ends meet."

A debt specialist for Debt Advisers Direct commented: "At a time like now, many households are facing the prospect of debt. The cost of living has gone up and some are finding it harder and harder to afford their essential expenditure every month. When every penny counts, people should be particularly cautious with their finances to ensure they avoid debt."

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Debt Advisers Direct offer free debt advice and a range of debt solutions, including debt management plans, debt consolidation loans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements).

Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts 01/07/2010 - According to a study by Saga Equity Release, 17% of Budget: tackling the nation`s debt 22/06/2010 - Today, we can expect the details of the `toughest package Short-term debt: `no need for price control` 18/06/2010 - The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has decided not to The cost of clearing debt 10/06/2010 - Figuring out the cost of clearing debt can be tricky,