UK StepChange arrears types: gas
UK StepChange arrears types: gas stood at 17% in Aug 2026. It is one of the indicators in the Debt advice table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jul 2025 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Debt advice table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrears types among those who have a responsibility for paying each bill type | |||||||||||
| Gas | 17 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 | |
| Rent | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 |
Understanding UK StepChange arrears types: gas
Casework databases track the proportion of debt advice clients across the United Kingdom holding gas bill arrears among those with a formal responsibility for paying gas utility charges. This series isolates domestic gas supply debt from dual-fuel accounts, electricity arrears, and other household bills. Sibling rows separate different utility types to provide granular insight into specific domestic cost pressures.
Interpretation of this data must account for seasonal heating demand and wholesale energy price volatility across the United Kingdom. Initial monthly estimates are provisional and subject to revision as client financial profiling is completed. Comparing figures on a year-on-year basis is strongly recommended to eliminate the pronounced winter heating peaks that affect month-on-month evaluations. Analysts must ensure they evaluate this rate against the specific subset of clients responsible for gas payments.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this measure cover individuals using electric heating instead of gas?
- No, it is strictly limited to clients who report a responsibility for gas utility bills.
- How does this differ from the dual-fuel arrears series?
- It isolates standalone gas supply liabilities from accounts where gas and electricity are billed combined.
- Why is year-on-year comparison vital for energy arrears?
- It neutralises extreme winter weather demand shifts that occur predictably every year.