RESIDENTS above the age of 66 across the Test Valley are being urged to come forward if they need financial help.

As previously reported, Citizens Advice has called for a ban on energy companies forcing customers onto prepayment meters when they are struggling to pay bills.

An estimated 3.2 million people across Britain ran out of credit on their prepayment meter last year, which is the equivalent of one every 10 seconds because they could not afford to top it up, Citizens Advice has revealed.

The advisory service has said it saw more people who were unable to top up their prepayment meter in 2022 than in the last 10 years combined. This breaks the charity’s predictions for the number of householders it would help as the cost-of-living crisis took hold.

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Test Valley Borough councillor Iris Anderson has spoken out about the sad reality of what many residents are now facing.

She said: "I am very saddened to think that some families who have young children may not have money to put their meters. I have heard from many residents who have told me the payments are just absolutely colossal." 

The borough council has now taken to Facebook to urge those who need help to come forward.

The authority posted: "We are urging anyone above the age of 66 in Test Valley who may need a little extra financial help to come forward.

"With the rising cost of living, many people will be in a situation where they need more help than before and may not know how to access support.

"Anyone with an older relative who could do with financial support is encouraged to direct them to Citizens Advice, who are administering the funds.

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"Residents can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 178 6882 or visit their website."

Citizens Advice, the consumer watchdog for the energy market, has said it was particularly concerned about disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions.

Cllr Anderson has since said that many businesses are also being affected with owners struggling and some being forced to close down.