In addition, close to a third of people said they were struggling to service their mortgage or pay their rent, with 3pc saying they were already falling behind on payments. Meanwhile, 43pc said they would not be able to save any money over the next 12 months.

Nine in 10 adults said they were facing increased living costs, as other price rises on supermarket shelves and at petrol station forecourts added to soaring energy costs. Inflation is currently at 7pc, the highest rate for 30 years. Higher gas prices were the second-most common reason given for increased costs, after the rising price of food. Fuel was the third most common. 

Joanna Elson of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said the figures painted a “worrying picture”. 

She added: “We are already hearing from people who have gone without heating and electricity to try and reduce costs. With the full impact of rising energy, food and fuel prices yet to be felt, the situation is only set to get worse for many more households.” 

The energy price cap is widely expected to increase again in October as the war in Ukraine puts further pressure on already stretched supply lines. The limit on annual bills could be lifted as high as £2,607, according to energy consultants Cornwall Insight.

It has said prices will remain “significantly above average” until 2030 while demand on non-Russian gas persists, Britain’s last remaining coal-fired power stations close by 2024 and older nuclear plants come to the end of their lives.