Over a million people could refuse to pay their energy bills in October, study finds

MORE than a million people could refuse to pay their gas and electricity bills in October, research has found.

Visits to the Dontpay.uk protest website rose from 225,000 in July to 1.5 million last month.

The most interest came from Sheffield, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.

AskGamblers.com, who commissioned the data study, said: "The sharp rise in the cost-of-living is putting a strain on millions of UK households.

"The Don’t Pay movement is gaining huge momentum, with visits to the website exploding to over six times the amount in one month, to 1.5 million.

"It’s a worrying sign that energy bills are becoming unaffordable for millions. However, it is advised to communicate with your energy supplier rather than refusing to pay altogether."

New PM Liz Truss announced a freeze on the current cap at £2,500 a year from October.

However, End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates 6.9 million UK households will still be in fuel poverty in the winter - an increase of 2.3 million households from last year.

Citizens Advice has advised that those struggling with bills should contact their supplier.