Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) are warning that the combination of the ongoing recession and the recent cold snap will create a ‘nightmare’ for many Scots when their winter fuel bills arrive over the next few weeks.

With consumer experts predicting that bills could rise by at least 10% as a result of the recent cold weather, CAS Chief Executive Ms Kaliani Lyle said.

"Over the next few days and weeks people will start to receive their bills for the fuel they have used over the Christmas and New Year period.

"This is always a time of real concern - particularly for those on low incomes - because fuel use over the winter is so high.

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"Unfortunately, it is likely that this year's winter fuel bills might be even worse than usual, given the fact that the winter has been so cold and the fact that many people are already suffering financial worries due to the recession.

"This year's bills could be a real nightmare, and people should probably prepare for the worst.

"The important thing however is that people shouldn't panic when the bills come through, even if they are much higher than anticipated. Experience shows that the temptation is either to ignore the bills altogether - which means you run up late payment charges - or to pay them using credit cards or a bank overdraft, which just runs up further debt. Neither of these steps is the right solution."

"So, when the fuel bills arrive, our advice is simple: Don't Panic. Get Advice. And of course if you know anyone who is particularly vulnerable, make sure you pass this information on to them so they get all the help they need."

(CD/BMcC)