More than half of adults in Britain say they will have to cut their spending to cope with rising household bills over the next year, Citizens Advice Bureau warned yesterday.

The consumer body said 58 per cent of people are worried about the effect that higher bills will have on their finances with 53 per cent - 27 million - saying they'd have to cut spending to cope.

Citizens Advice launched the Big Energy Saving Week today, backed by government, charities and the energy industry, to help consumers take practical steps to make cuts to their bills.

It said 200,000 people sought online advice about energy bills last year, while it dealt with 85,000 fuel debt problems between October 2012 and September.

CAB chief executive Gillian Guy said: "The soaring cost of living will force millions of people to cut back on basic necessities like travel, energy, housing and food.

"We're keen to help as many people as possible make sure they are not taking drastic action or paying a penny more than they have to for a warm home or to keep the lights on.

"Through Big Energy Saving Week, Citizens Advice is helping consumers to check, switch and insulate.

"Citizens Advice bureaux up and down the country will be out and about to help consumers find better deals, make the most of extra help available and vote with their feet if they can get a better deal."