Fresh Start Debt Support
Utility debt happens when you fall behind on essential bills like gas, electricity, water, or heating. These debts can quickly build up, especially if you’ve experienced job loss, benefit delays, or a rise in living costs. Many UK households are now facing high utility bills due to energy price increases and economic pressure.
Missing payments on your utility bills may lead to serious consequences — from energy disconnection to enforcement action or benefit deductions. But you don’t have to face it alone. There are solutions available.
At Fresh Start Debt Support, we help people across the UK deal with gas and electricity arrears, water debt, and other priority household bills — with confidential support and no judgment.
Get Help With My Utility DebtUnlike credit cards or unsecured loans, utility debt is classed as a priority debt. This means it must be dealt with first. Ignoring it can lead to:
If you're behind on your utility bills, creditors may request direct deductions from your Universal Credit or ESA without your permission. It’s a stressful situation — but we can help put a stop to this and create a manageable plan.
Our team works with trusted partners to help you freeze charges, stop enforcement, and regain control of your energy debt safely.
Talk to Someone About Priority BillsUtility debt includes any unpaid charges on essential household services. You could be in utility arrears if you’ve missed payments on any of the following:
It doesn’t matter whether you rent, own your home, or live with others — if you are named on the utility account, you may be held liable for arrears. We help tenants, homeowners, and those living with family work through this without shame.
We can also assist with debts to utility collection companies (e.g. Lowell, Moorcroft) who buy or manage energy accounts after default.
Check If My Bills Count as Utility DebtUtility debt often isn’t caused by bad budgeting — it's caused by life events outside your control. Common reasons people fall behind include:
You are not alone. Millions of households in the UK are struggling to keep up with utility payments, especially after cost-of-living spikes in 2023 and 2024. Fresh Start is here to support you with kindness, not judgment.
Speak to Someone About My SituationAt Fresh Start Debt Support, we work with individuals and families across the UK who are falling behind on gas, electricity, and water bills. Whether your debt is £300 or £3,000 — we offer confidential, compassionate help.
Here’s how we support you:
We’re a small, friendly UK team — no call centres, no pressure. We listen first, then act quickly to help you get breathing space from utility stress.
Get My Free Utility Debt CheckYes — if your utility arrears are unmanageable, they can be included in formal debt solutions. At Fresh Start, we explain your options and guide you toward the best fit. These may include:
Utility debts can be included in an IVA. This freezes interest, protects you from enforcement, and allows you to write off remaining balances after 5–6 years of affordable payments.
A flexible, informal way to repay gas and electricity arrears over time. We'll negotiate with your providers and set up a fair payment structure based on your budget.
If you have low income and minimal assets, a DRO can freeze all utility debts for 12 months — and write them off entirely if your circumstances don’t improve.
We also support council tax arrears, rent arrears, and can guide you through bankruptcy or Breathing Space schemes where necessary.
No matter what you’re facing, we’ll help you understand your options and move forward.
Find Out Which Debt Solution Fits MeIf you’ve received a letter saying your supplier plans to install a prepayment meter or disconnect your supply, it’s important to act fast. Once installed, prepay meters are harder to manage — and you may be paying back arrears at high rates.
We help clients every day who are under pressure from suppliers to accept prepay meters. In many cases, you can:
Don't ignore the letters or visit threats. Contact us today for urgent help if you're facing meter installation or disconnection.
Stop My Prepayment Meter TodayYes — there are many energy grants and support schemes in the UK that help clear or reduce utility debt. We help our clients apply for the right one.
These schemes change regularly and often close quickly. We’ll help identify what’s open, what you qualify for, and assist you with applications where possible.
Apply for a Utility Debt GrantEvery day, we help people just like you escape the pressure of unpaid gas, electricity, and water bills. Here are a few real-world examples:
“I was £980 in arrears with my energy provider and was threatened with disconnection. Fresh Start helped me apply for the British Gas Energy Trust and included the rest in a Debt Management Plan. I now pay just £45/month and feel safe again.”
“My water supplier was taking money straight from my Universal Credit. Fresh Start stopped the deduction and helped me get on a more manageable repayment plan. They explained everything clearly and treated me with respect.”
“I thought I was going to lose my electricity supply. I was scared and ashamed. Fresh Start helped me apply for a DRO and now my utility debt will be gone in under a year. Honestly, I cried with relief.”
No matter how far behind you are, it’s never too late to make a change. You deserve peace of mind — and a team that has your back.
Start Your Utility Debt Story TodayIgnoring utility debt can lead to disconnection, court action, or deductions from your benefits. Don’t let it get that far — there are legal protections available to help you.
Yes, if you're behind on your bills, providers can apply for deductions from Universal Credit, ESA, or JSA without your approval. We can help stop this and find a fairer way forward.
Yes — if you were named on the account, you're usually still liable. But you can include old energy debts in solutions like IVAs, DMPs, or DROs.
Yes. Most formal debt solutions legally protect you from enforcement action, including bailiff visits and court orders.
Absolutely. Many tenants are responsible for their own utility bills. We help renters, homeowners, and those in shared living arrangements.
Ask a Question About My Utility DebtNo matter where you live, Fresh Start is here to help. We assist clients across the country via phone, WhatsApp, or email — with no need for in-person meetings.
Whether you're in a big city or rural area, we’ve got your back. You don’t need to leave your home — everything can be done online or over the phone.
Start My Utility Debt Help TodayBeing behind on gas, electricity, or water bills can feel overwhelming — but you're not alone, and there are real solutions. At Fresh Start Debt Support, we offer clear, honest, and confidential help tailored to your needs.
Whether you're facing disconnection, dealing with arrears, or simply want a way out, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Thousands of people across the UK have turned to Fresh Start for help with utility debt. Now it’s your turn.
Start My Utility Debt Help NowIf utility bills aren’t your only concern, we provide guidance on all types of personal debt:
You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s utility arrears, credit card debt, or enforcement threats — we’re here to help you get a Fresh Start.
Explore My Debt Help Options