FEARS that more Clacks households are being pushed into fuel poverty, after a record rise in gas prices, have been voiced this week.

The 54 per cent rise of the energy price cap, announced last week by energy regulator Ofgem, confirms the “worst fears” according to Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan.

It means households could see their bills rise by up to £693 a year, or £708 for those on prepayment meters.

The charity is extremely concerned about the impact this will have on the one in three older households, around 222,000, in Scotland already in fuel poverty.

Indeed, one energy adviser in the Wee County highlighted how those already falling in the fuel poverty bracket could be pushed into extreme fuel poverty.

Others who were just managing to spend less than 10 per cent of their household income on energy costs could also face bigger issues.

Denise Armstrong, energy project worker at Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau, has already dealt with 419 energy enquiries since last November.

Advice is getting more in depth with complex energy issues and the rises are one of the “main worrying issues”.

Denise told the Advertiser: “This number clearly outlines the impact that fuel price rises will have on the local community in connection to the implementation of the 54 per cent rise in energy price cap.

“This means that households who are already struggling with fuel poverty will classed as being in extreme fuel poverty and will be included with more and more households who fall into the fuel poverty bracket.”

The impact will be greatest on people who have low incomes or are vulnerable and will affect “wellbeing and ability to manage finances universally”.

Denise expects a broader demographic will be affected than ever before and she, along with colleagues, stands ready to assist clients.

There is energy efficiency advice, improvement schemes, assistance to negotiate with suppliers, help to understand how bills work and awareness is being raised around grants that could support the community.

Advice goes broader with income maximisation, debt advice, financial health checks and support with benefits.

On the national level, Age Scotland's Brian Sloan is worried people will have to cut down on essentials or dip into savings when they may already suffer from poorer health.

He said: “This eye-watering increase to the energy price cap confirms our worst fears and will make life considerably harder for hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland.

“Our research has always identified energy bills as the main cause for financial concern among older people, so this news will only serve to compound their anxieties."

Clacks residents looking for support can get in touch with the CAB between 10am and 3pm on weekdays by calling 01259 219404.