Energy costs tipped to be biggest problem

Those in debt or simply struggling to make ends meet will find higher domestic fuel prices the biggest problem they face this winter.

News that inflation has fallen was welcomed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) today, but its general secretary Brendan Barber warned the situation is still far from rosy for many people.

He said: "A reduction in food price inflation will provide some help to household budgets, but with electricity and gas prices rising just as winter starts, consumers are still going to find it's a tough Christmas."

Such a warning may resonate with those who are already finding it hard to pay their fuel bills and face the possible prospect of these soaring through a combination of the recent rises and the arrival of cold weather, particularly if the winter turns out to be as cold as the last two.

Paying such bills may make it harder for those who have borrowed large amounts to maintain payments, which could see the figure spiralling upwards.

Those who are particularly deep in debt may find an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) is a good way of tackling large amounts of £15,000 or more.

An IVA works through an agreement with creditors to accept reduced payments over a limited period of time as an alternative to bankruptcy.

And unlike going bankrupt, an IVA can be kept confidential, avoiding the social stigma.

While inflation may be on the way down, it is possible the rate could rise again next year, British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson recently stated.

He suggested the volatility of the eurozone may have an impact on the value of the pound, pushing up the prices of imported goods.

Posted by Paul Thacker