With figures showing that up to 6.9 million bills went unpaid since June last year, the website notes that rising energy prices and the current credit situation could be added factors in coming months.

Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert.com, said: “For some time we have been waiting to see how the financial squeeze would affect the average household. Nearly seven million unpaid household bills is a fairly conclusive sign that we are feeling the effects.”

Research has also shown that four out of ten people are now relying on credit as finances come under increasing strain.

A quarter of credit card holders claim they will be more dependant on credit than last year, with 41 per cent saying they would be using credit cards for day-to-day living, the Post Office has said.

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